City & Guilds Art School Property Trust
The principal activity of the Trust, which was founded in 1879, is to support the teaching and training students in the Arts, Crafts and Sciences of the Fine Arts. The Trust maintains and develops the land and buildings occupied by the City & Guilds of London Art School, which operates as a separate independent charity since 1 April 2012 following a business transfer agreement.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the Charity held negative free reserves of £22,806 at the year end, resulting in a net current liabilities position. However, the Trustees concluded that there are no material uncertainties regarding the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern, citing sufficient working capital from core rental income and the ability to secure loans against assets if needed.
What the accounts disclose
“At 31 August 2025 the charity was in a net current liabilities position of £22,806 and these represent the Charity’s negative free reserves.” — page 8
“The Art School charged the Charity a management fee for services provided of £54,196 (2024 — £53,737), of which £8,668 was outstanding at the year end.” — page 24
“The Trust recognised rental income from the Art School of £315,164 plus VAT in rent during the year (2024 — £307,573 plus VAT), of which £nil was outstanding at the year end.”
“The Art School charged the Charity a management fee for services provided of £54,196 (2024 — £53,737), of which £8,668 was outstanding at the year end.” — page 24
“The Trust recognised rental income from the Art School of £315,164 plus VAT in rent during the year (2024 — £307,573 plus VAT), of which £nil was outstanding at the year end.”
Trustees
- Brendan Godfrey Eamonn Finucane
- Dr Timothy Schroder
- Francis Hugh Cornwallis Maude
- Humphrey Carey
- JOHN TAYLOR MBE
- Robin Shedden Broadhurst CVO CBE
- Sir Alan Yarrow
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/08/2025 | £315k | £327k |
| 31/08/2024 | £308k | £352k |
| 31/08/2023 | £304k | £379k |
| 31/08/2022 | £246k | £327k |
| 31/08/2021 | £242k | £439k |
Common questions
Is City & Guilds Art School Property Trust financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the Charity held negative free reserves of £22,806 at the year end, resulting in a net current liabilities position. However, the Trustees concluded that there are no material uncertainties regarding the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern, citing sufficient working capital from core rental income and the ability to secure loans against assets if needed. Its FY2025 accounts were audited by Buzzacott Audit LLP.