The Open University Students Association
Analysis
The Open University Students Association is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in Milton Keynes. It was registered in June 2019, 7 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training, which this site groups under education and training. Legally it is a charitable company (Companies House number 12031028). It says it provides services, provides advocacy/advice/information and sponsors or undertakes research.
In the financial year ending July 2025, The Open University Students Association reported income of £2.2m and spending of £2.2m, spending 103% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from July 2021 to July 2025, income grew from £2.1m to £2.2m (+3.2%), an average of +0.8% a year. Over the whole period it spent 95% of the income it received.
Among 21,402 England and Wales charities whose main cause is education and training and that reported income, The Open University Students Association sits at the 95th percentile: it is larger than about 95% of them. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 96th percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Nancy Reuben Primary School (£2.2m), Kirklees Music School (£2.2m) and Community Alliance Broxbourne and East Herts (£2.2m).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from donations and legacies 89%, trading 4.4%, charitable activities 3.5% and investments 2.9%. Charitable activities took 96% of spending and raising funds 3.0%. Grants to other organisations totalled £1,751. Reserves of £2.0m would cover about 10 months of spending at that rate. It employed 40 people.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 89%
- Charitable activities 3.5%
- Trading 4.4%
- Investments 2.9%
In the charity's own words
The Students Association provides support and services to students of the Open University, typical of a Students Union. This includes:i) listening to students and representing their voice and collective interests;ii) engaging students in a vibrant and active community, creating new opportunities; iii) enhancing the student experience and contributing to student success.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Nancy Reuben Primary School | London | £2.2m |
| Kirklees Music School | Queen Street South | £2.2m |
| Community Alliance Broxbourne and East Herts | Ware | £2.2m |
| Anglia Region of the Guide Association | Norfolk | £2.2m |