What is Pupil Premium?

Pupil Premium is additional funding given to schools in England to raise the attainment of pupils from low income families and close the gap between them and their peers. The funding is allocated to schools to work with pupils who have been registered for free school meals  at any point in the last six years. This is known as 'Ever 6 FSM'.

Schools will also receive funding for children who have been 'Looked After' (in Local Authority care), were adopted from care on or after 30 December 2005, or left care under a special guardianship or residency order, and children of service personnel. 

Why was Pupil Premium introduced?

Pupil Premium was introduced in April 2011. The Government believed that it is the best way to address the current underlying inequalities in the academic performance of children eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) and their 'wealthier' peers by providing additional support to the pupils who need it most.

Eligibility for Free School Meals:

A parent may wish to check their child's eligibility for Pupil Premium or continued free school meals (from Key Stage 2) on the KCC website.

You will need to enter your name, address, National Insurance number or asylum support service number. In addition, you will need to provide your child's name, date of birth and identify the school they are attending.

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Parents/guardians in England do not have to pay for school meals if they receive any of the following:

• Income Support
• Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190
• Working Tax Credit 'run-on' - the payment someone may receive for a further four weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Guarantee element of State Pension Credit

Pupil Premium is an important payment for schools and a really good opportunity for eligible parents to get even more support for their children in schools.

Please contact the School Office for further information on 01843 867010.

Date of next Pupil Premium strategy review: September 2024