We are pleased to announce that Friends of St Stephen’s School has been reestablished as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).

The new organisation is called Friends of St Stephen’s School CIO and is registered with the Charity Commission under charity number 1216793.

The CIO started operating on 1 September 2026.

What does this mean?

The move to a CIO gives Friends of St Stephen’s School a new legal structure where the individual trustees are protected by a limited liability while allowing us to continue the work we have always done.

Our charitable purpose remains unchanged: we will continue to raise funds and provide support for the benefit of the pupils of St Stephen’s School.

There is no change to our trustees, volunteers or our relationship with the school. We will continue to organise fundraising and activities in support of the school and its pupils.

Our new bank account

Our new CIO bank account is now open.

From 01/09/2026, please use the following bank details for all new donations and payments to Friends of St Stephen’s School:

Account name: Friends of St Stephen’s School CIO
Sort code: 60-02-64
Account number: 10225005

Please do not make new payments into the old charity’s bank account from 01/09/2026 onwards.

If you currently make regular payments to Friends of St Stephen’s School, such as a standing order, please update your payment details from this date.

If you are unsure whether you need to change your payment arrangements, please contact us at treasury.ptafoss@gmail.com.

What is happening to the existing charity?

The existing Friends of St Stephen’s School charity will remain in place temporarily while we transfer its remaining assets, funds, income and expenses to the new CIO.

Once this process has been completed, the existing, unincorporated charity will be wound down.

The new CIO will then be the organisation through which Friends of St Stephen’s School carries out its charitable activities.

Gift Aid

We have submitted an application to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to register Friends of St Stephen’s School CIO for Gift Aid.

We will confirm the arrangements for Gift Aid once the CIO’s HMRC registration has been processed.

Existing Gift Aid declarations and records will continue to be retained as part of the charity’s records.

Thank you

We would like to thank all our parents, carers, families, staff, volunteers, local businesses and other supporters for the generosity and support you have given Friends of St Stephen’s School.

This change gives the charity a strong legal structure for the future, while our commitment to St Stephen’s School and its pupils remains exactly the same.

Thank you for your continued support.

Friends of St Stephen’s School CIO

Registered charity number 1216793
pta.foss@gmail.com
treasury.ptafoss@gmail.com
https://www.ststephensfoss.co.uk/