The Pupil Premium is additional funding provided to schools to support pupils who may be at risk of underachievement. This includes children who are eligible for free school meals, those looked after by the local authority, and children with parents in the armed forces. The purpose of this funding is to help accelerate progress and raise attainment.

In most cases, the Pupil Premium is allocated directly to schools and is clearly identifiable. Schools have the autonomy to decide how best to use this funding, as they are best placed to assess the needs of their pupils and determine the most effective support.

All schools are required to report on the amount of funding they receive, how it is spent, and the impact it has on pupils’ outcomes.

All matters relating to the use of Pupil Premium funding are handled with discretion and confidentiality.

The grant is not ring-fenced, meaning schools can spend it in ways that best meet the needs of their pupils. However, schools must be able to demonstrate that their use of the funding is helping to close the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers. The funding is intended to benefit pupils who are currently on roll.