Pupil Premium
What is Pupil Premium?
The Pupil Premium was introduced in April 2011. The Pupil Premium is an additional grant paid to schools based on the number of pupils registered as eligible and claiming Free School Meals. It also includes children registered in care who have been continuously looked after for six months as well as children with parents in the services.
The purpose of Pupil Premium is primarily to narrow the attainment between pupils on Free School Meals, children who are looked after and children with families in the services and their peers.
The Government has recognised that it is for schools to decide how the Pupil Premium is spent because schools are best placed to assess what additional provision should be made for the individual pupils within their responsibility.
In 2012-13, the Pupil Premium was extended to pupils who have been eligible for free school meals (FSM) at any point in the last 6 years.
We aim that all children, regardless of their background, circumstances or the challenges they face, will reach their full potential, make good progress and achieve high attainment across all areas of the curriculum.
Applying for Free School Meals (Pupil Premium Funding)
Your child may be eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) if you receive one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit*
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
*If you applied for Universal Credit on or after 1 April 2018, your household income must be £7,400 per year or less (after tax and excluding benefits received).
Children who receive these benefits directly, rather than through a parent or carer, may also be entitled to Free School Meals.
Children below compulsory school age who attend full-time education may also qualify if their parent or carer receives one of the benefits listed above.
Changes from September 2026
From the start of the 2026-2027 academic year, all children whose families receive Universal Credit will qualify for Free School Meals, regardless of household income.
No Recourse to Public Funds
If you do not qualify for most benefits (sometimes referred to as having No Recourse to Public Funds), your child may still be eligible for Free School Meals. Please contact your local authority or the school for advice.
Universal Infant Free School Meals
All children attending a government-funded school in:
- Reception
- Year 1
- Year 2
are entitled to receive Universal Infant Free School Meals, regardless of family income.
Why Register?
Even if your child already receives Universal Infant Free School Meals, it is important to register if you receive a qualifying benefit. This could provide the school with additional funding to support your child's education.
Registering is confidential, will not affect any other benefits you receive, and helps schools access valuable funding for eligible pupils.
Our Pupil Premium Strategy
Our Pupil Premium strategy explains how we support disadvantaged pupils so they have the same opportunities and experiences as their peers, both in our school and nationally. We are committed to helping all pupils achieve strong academic progress and develop the skills and confidence they need to reach their goals and aspirations.
