Pupil Premium
The Pupil Premium is additional funding provided by the government to schools to improve outcomes for disadvantaged pupils and to help overcome barriers to learning. The funding is intended to support schools in narrowing attainment gaps and ensuring that all pupils, regardless of background or circumstance, can achieve well and fully participate in school life.
Evidence continues to show that pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds can face additional challenges which may impact their attainment, attendance, wellbeing and wider opportunities. Schools are therefore expected to use Pupil Premium funding strategically and in ways that are informed by evidence of effective practice.
In the current financial year, schools receive £1,455 for every pupil who has been eligible for free school meals at any point in the last six years (Ever 6 FSM). Schools also receive £2,345 for each pupil who is looked after by the local authority or who has previously been looked after and meets the relevant criteria.
The three categories of pupils eligible for Pupil Premium funding are:
- Pupils who are currently eligible for free school meals or have been eligible at any point in the last six years
- Pupils who are, or have been, looked after by a local authority
- Children from service families (Service Pupil Premium)
Schools have the flexibility to decide how best to spend this funding based on the needs of their pupils. Effective use of the Pupil Premium should be clearly linked to identified barriers to learning and should support high-quality teaching, targeted academic support and wider strategies that improve attendance, behaviour, wellbeing and engagement.
Schools are accountable for the impact of their spending and must publish information about how the funding is used and the difference it is making to outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.
The most recent Pupil Premium Strategy for 2025-2028 can be found below:
PP Strategy