Pupil Premium
Purpose
The pupil premium is additional funding given to publicly funded schools in England since April 2011, to raise the attainment of disadvantaged children and close the gap between them and their peers. The government believes that the pupil premium, which is additional to main school funding, is the best way to address the current underlying inequalities between children eligible for free school meals (FSM) and their peers. This ensures that funding to tackle disadvantage, reaches the children who need it the most.
The pupil premium is additional funding given to publicly funded schools in England since April 2011, to raise the attainment of disadvantaged children and close the gap between them and their peers. The government believes that the pupil premium, which is additional to main school funding, is the best way to address the current underlying inequalities between children eligible for free school meals (FSM) and their peers. This ensures that funding to tackle disadvantage, reaches the children who need it the most.
Eligibility and Funding
A pupil premium of £1,345 is allocated to schools for each child that has been registered for free school meals (FSM) at any point in the last six years. In addition, schools will also receive £2,300 for each looked-after child who has been looked after for one day or more, was adopted from care on or after 30 December 2005, or left care under a special guardianship order or a residence order. A service premium (£300) is available for children whose parents are currently or have served (in the last three years) in the armed forces.
A pupil premium of £1,345 is allocated to schools for each child that has been registered for free school meals (FSM) at any point in the last six years. In addition, schools will also receive £2,300 for each looked-after child who has been looked after for one day or more, was adopted from care on or after 30 December 2005, or left care under a special guardianship order or a residence order. A service premium (£300) is available for children whose parents are currently or have served (in the last three years) in the armed forces.
Academically able pupils
The pupil premium is not based on ability. Research shows that the most academically able children from disadvantaged backgrounds are most at risk of under-performing. Schools should focus on these children just as much as children with low results.
Use of the pupil premium
It’s up to school leaders to decide how to spend the pupil premium. This is because the government believe school leaders are best-placed to assess their pupils’ needs and use funding to improve attainment.
Evidence suggests that pupil premium spending is most effective when schools use a tiered approach, but focusing on teaching quality - investing in learning and development for teachers.
Non-eligible pupils
Schools can spend their pupil premium on children who do not meet the eligibility criteria but need extra support.
Details of how we spend the pupil premium allocation can be found in our Pupil premium Strategy Statement below.
The pupil premium is not based on ability. Research shows that the most academically able children from disadvantaged backgrounds are most at risk of under-performing. Schools should focus on these children just as much as children with low results.
Use of the pupil premium
It’s up to school leaders to decide how to spend the pupil premium. This is because the government believe school leaders are best-placed to assess their pupils’ needs and use funding to improve attainment.
Evidence suggests that pupil premium spending is most effective when schools use a tiered approach, but focusing on teaching quality - investing in learning and development for teachers.
Non-eligible pupils
Schools can spend their pupil premium on children who do not meet the eligibility criteria but need extra support.
Details of how we spend the pupil premium allocation can be found in our Pupil premium Strategy Statement below.