The Pupil Premium is an additional allocation of funding to schools to support specific groups of children who are vulnerable to possible under achievement. It is allocated for children from low income families who are eligible for free school meals (FSM), those who are looked after by the local authority and the children of armed services personnel. This funding is also based on children who have had free school meals within a 6 year period (EFSM). At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School we are committed to providing equality of opportunity for all our children to enable every child to achieve their very best. 

The Pupil Premium Grant (PPG) was introduced in April 2011 and is additional funding that the government gives to schools for each pupil on roll who is deemed to be eligible (entitled to Free School Meals, Children who are Looked After or have a parent in the Forces).

The Department of Education website is a good source of additional information:

Pupil premium: overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The Pupil Premium Grant arrives as an extra payment to the school budget. The amount is given for every child who is entitled to receive the benefit of Free School Meals (FSM), regardless of whether they take up the free school meal or bring their own lunch.

We would urge all parents to check their entitlement benefit and if you are entitled to Free School Meals then please make sure that you claim the benefit as the school will also receive extra funding to support your child as a result.