University of Chester

Analysis

University of Chester is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in Chester. It was registered in January 1963, 63 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training, religious activities, arts/culture/heritage/science and amateur sport, which this site groups under religion. It says it makes grants to individuals, provides buildings/facilities/open space and provides services.

In the financial year ending July 2025, University of Chester reported income of £154.2m and spending of £141.7m, spending 92% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from July 2021 to July 2025, income grew from £122.7m to £154.2m (+26%), an average of +5.9% a year. Over the whole period it spent 101% of the income it received.

Among 20,496 England and Wales charities whose main cause is religion and that reported income, University of Chester sits at the 100th percentile: it is one of the largest 1% in its cause. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 100th percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Church of England Central Services (£140.1m), Church Commissioners for England (£212.6m) and Methodist Independent Schools Trust (£118.2m).

In its latest detailed accounts, income came from charitable activities 99%. Charitable activities took 100% of spending and raising funds 0.0%. Reserves of £90.6m would cover about 8 months of spending at that rate. It employed 1,430 people.