The Pupil Premium is government funding provided to schools in England to support students who are at a greater risk of underachievement due to their personal circumstances.
Schools receive this additional funding for children who meet certain criteria, including:
- Children eligible for free school meals (FSM): This applies to students who have been eligible for free school meals at any point in the last six years.
- Looked After Children (LAC): Children who are or have been in local authority care.
- Previously Looked After Children (PLAC): Children who have been adopted from care or left care under a special guardianship order.
- Children of service personnel: Funding is also allocated to support children whose parents are currently serving in the armed forces.
How do I find out if my child is eligible?
Families who meet one or more of the criteria below may be eligible:
- Universal Credit (annual net income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods)
- Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guarantee element of Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (provided you're not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
- Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying)
If you think that your child may be eligible, you can find out more, and apply at: North Northamptonshire Free School Meals and Pupil Premium, or speak to the school office.
Purpose of the Pupil Premium
The funding is used to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have access to the same opportunities to succeed. Schools are encouraged to use this funding in ways that directly benefit the eligible students, such as:
- Providing additional academic support (e.g., tutoring or small group interventions).
- Offering enrichment activities to enhance learning experiences.
- Supporting students' mental health and well-being.
- Helping with resources, equipment, or trips that may otherwise be difficult for families to afford.
How schools are held accountable
Schools must demonstrate how they use the Pupil Premium funding to improve outcomes for eligible students. This is often shared with parents through the school’s website in the form of a Pupil Premium Strategy. Schools must outline:
- How much funding they receive.
- How it is being spent.
- The impact it has had on students' progress and achievement.
Please read our Pupil Premium Strategy below to understand how we plan to use the Pupil Premium to support children's progress and achievement.
Why is it important?
The Pupil Premium is a key part of ensuring fairness and equality in education. By supporting children who may face additional challenges, schools can help close the attainment gap and provide every child with the chance to reach their full potential.