Pupil Premium
The Pupil Premium was introduced by the Government in April 2011. From September 2012, schools now receive specific funds to support students from low-income families who are eligible for free school meals (FSM) or have been at any point in the last six years (Ever 6), looked after children (CLA) and those from families with parents in the Armed Forces (SC), under the umbrella, Pupil Premium (PP).
AIM OF THE FUNDING
Schools have autonomy to spend the funds as they wish, with the aim of reducing the attainment gap between Pupil Premium and non-Pupil Premium students. The Government and governors hold schools to account with regards to the impact of this spending and all schools are required to publish this information on their website.
OUR SCHOOL
The school is committed to the vision outlined in the Department for Education statement at the beginning of this document. In order to ensure the school has a sharp focus on the attainment and progress of Pupil Premium students, a member of the Senior Leadership Team has the responsibility for leading the strategies and managing the provision for this group of students. In addition, the Extended Leadership Team is focusing on this area as part of their wider school role.
The support that Pupil Premium students receive is informed by the latest documentation and research from: the Department for Education, Ofsted, Education Endowment Foundation, the Westminster Briefing and the Sutton Trust.
What Is Pupil Premium Funding?
Pupil Premium funding (PP) is extra money the Government allocates to schools to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged pupils. At Churchdown, we use this funding to remove barriers to learning and improve participation and achievement, so all pupils have the opportunity to flourish and achieve their personal best.
Who Is Eligible to Receive Pupil Premium Funding?
Pupil Premium funding is provided for pupils who meet specific Government criteria. This includes pupils who are, or have been, eligible for certain Free School Meals (Ever 6 FSM), children who are or have previously been looked after, and eligible children from Armed Forces families through the Service Pupil Premium. Schools can also use Pupil Premium funding to support other pupils with identified needs, including children who have or have had a social worker or who are young carers, where this supports improved educational outcomes.
Please note that receiving Universal Credit does not automatically generate Pupil Premium.
My Child Receives Pupil Premium Funding. Can I Direct How My Child's Funding Is Spent?
No. Pupil Premium allocation is not an individual allowance or personal budget for individual pupils. Schools are expected to identify the barriers disadvantaged pupils face and use the overall funding strategically to improve educational outcomes, directing the spending where the need is greatest. This means the type and level of support provided to individual pupils may differ according to need.
My Child Receives Pupil Premium Funding. Does This Mean the School Will Pay for Uniform, Trips, Music Lessons, Equipment or Other Activities?
Being eligible for Pupil Premium therefore does not automatically mean that the school will pay for an activity or provide a fixed percentage contribution.
Pupil Premium is not a personal allowance attached to an individual pupil. The school considers requests for financial assistance on a case-by-case basis. We will consider the barrier to participation, the potential benefit to the pupil, the family's circumstances where appropriate, other funding that may be available and the school's available resources. This means that the contribution offered may vary between pupils and between activities.
How Does the School Decide How to Use Pupil Premium Funding?
The Department for Education's conditions of grant give each school flexibility in how it uses Pupil Premium. Each school is expected to identify the challenges faced by its disadvantaged pupils and select evidence-informed approaches likely to improve educational outcomes. Alongside targeted academic support, improving attendance, and improving social-emotional wellbeing, the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) guide consistently recommends prioritising high-quality teaching.
What Is the School’s Strategy for Pupil Premium Funding?
At Churchdown we want every pupil to flourish and achieve their personal best. We do not take a one-size-fits-all approach. Our pupils' needs differ, and so the support we provide will not be the same for each pupil. We use the best and most impactful strategies to help all our pupils achieve across a range of areas, including high-quality teaching, attendance, pastoral support, wellbeing, and access to wider opportunities. We work hard to identify and remove barriers early, ensuring each pupil is known, noticed and supported.
Can I Get Other Financial Support If I Am Struggling?
We recognise that families' financial circumstances differ and can change unexpectedly. If cost is preventing your child from accessing an educational opportunity, please speak to us. We will
consider requests individually, taking into account the educational benefit, the level of need, other sources of support available, and the funding the school has available. We could also signpost you to Family Help and other means of financial support.
Financial Support
Apply For Free School Meals https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/education-and-learning/free-school-meals/apply-for-free-school-meals
Crisis and Resilience Fund https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/crisis-and-resilience-fund
Check Benefits and Financial Support You Can Get https://www.gov.uk/check-benefits-financial-support
Social Prescribing and The Community Wellbeing Service https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/public-health/reports-publications-and-strategies/director-of-public-health-report-2022/2-why-are-social-connections-so-important/social-prescribing-and-the-community-wellbeing-service/
Gloucester Charities Trust https://gloucestercharitiestrust.co.uk/grant-giving/#:~:text=Gloucester%20Charities%20Trust%20provides%20grants,financial%20hardship%2C%20need%20or%20distress.&text=School%20uniform%20and%20essential%20clothing
GSW Music Hub Bursaries and Financial Support https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/gsw-music-hub/equality-diversity-and-inclusion-music-for-all/
Additional Pupil Premium Information
Department for Education – Pupil Premium Guidance 2026/2027
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pupil-premium-allocations-and-conditions-of-grant-2026-to-2027/pupil-premium-conditions-of-grant-for-the-2026-to-2027-financial-year
The EEF Guide to the Pupil Premium
https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/using-pupil-premium