Introduction
Pupil Premium represents additional funding that the government gives to schools for each pupil considered to be disadvantaged.
Poverty or low income is the single most important factor in predicting a child’s future life chances, with many pupils in low income families having low attainment by age 16. The Government believes that the Pupil Premium is the best way to address these underlying inequalities between children eligible for free school meals (FSM) and their peers by ensuring that funding to tackle disadvantage reaches the pupils who need it most.
Eligibility
If you are receiving any of the eligible benefits listed on the free school meals page, you can apply for free school meals and allow your school to receive the Pupil Premium funding.
Additionally, as part of the school registration process and their yearly data checks, you will also have the option to sign up for pupil premium.
Apply for Pupil Premium
Frequently asked questions
Who receives the Pupil Premium?
Pupil Premium is allocated to pupils in school year groups from Reception to Year 11 from low income families who are registered for FSM, or who have been registered for FSM at any point in the last six years.
Children who are in care or have been in care for 1 day or more, and are subsequently adopted or subject to a Special Guardianship/Child Arrangement order are also eligible. There is also a Service Pupil Premium of £340 allocated to pupils of families who serve in the Forces.
How much will my school receive?
In the financial year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, Pupil Premium funding will be:
- £1,480 for each eligible primary aged pupil
- £1,050 for each eligible secondary aged pupil and
- £2,570 for those in care
- £340 for pupils eligible for Service Pupil Premium
How should schools spend the Pupil Premium funding?
Schools must spend the funding for the educational benefit of their eligible pupils to boost progress as reflected in English and maths results. The funding can be used on services that benefit pupils at the school or their families, in the locality in which the school is situated.
Examples of how the Pupil Premium can be used within schools:
- Phonics and Oral Language Intervention
- Reading Comprehension Strategies
- Collaborative Learning
- Early Years Intervention
- Feedback to the Learner
- Enrichment Activities
How are families informed about the use of the Pupil Premium funding?
The school’s governing body publishes information on the school website every year on Pupil Premium expenditure. Those parents who are unable to access this information may request a copy directly from the school. It should detail the funding received each academic year, as well as how funding has and will be spent.
You are entitled to know how the pupil premium funding is being spent to enhance your child’s progress. With this in mind you are encouraged to enquire directly with school staff about the types of strategies being used to support the improved progress of your son/daughter in English and Maths.
If you have any questions, or wish to speak to the Headteacher specifically about your child’s Pupil Premium Grant, please contact the School Office to make an appointment.
How are schools held accountable?
Schools must monitor the impact of their selected approaches to improve provision for pupils entitled to Pupil Premium funding. The funding is not ring-fenced and schools are free to spend it as they wish to improve pupils’ attainment.
The Ofsted Inspection Framework ensures that inspectors look closely at the achievement of vulnerable pupils and in particular those who are entitled to Pupil Premium. They have published a series of reports about how the pupil premium can be spent on their website.
Contact the Education Welfare Benefits team
You can contact the Council’s Education Welfare Benefits Team for information about applications for free school meals, or benefits which support children financially while at school or college.
Education Welfare Benefits Team
Box Number: ALC2606
New Shire Hall
Emery Crescent
Enterprise Campus
Alconbury Weald
Huntingdon
PE28 4YE
Email: ewb.fsm@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Tel: 01223 703 200
