What is Pupil Premium?

Pupil Premium is additional funding provided by the government to schools to help improve the educational outcomes of disadvantaged pupils. The funding is allocated based on the number of pupils who are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), those who have been eligible at any point in the last six years (known as ‘Ever 6’ pupils), and children who are looked after or previously looked after by the local authority, including those adopted from care.

The Government introduced Pupil Premium to help address the underlying inequalities between disadvantaged pupils and their peers by ensuring that additional funding reaches the children who need it most.

Schools have the flexibility to decide how this funding is spent, as they are best placed to assess the needs of their pupils and determine the most effective support.

Accountability

Schools are required to publish information on their websites about how Pupil Premium funding is used and the impact it has on pupil attainment and progress. This ensures that parents and the wider community can see how the funding supports disadvantaged pupils.

How We Use Pupil Premium

At St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Pupil Premium funding is primarily used to support the learning and progress of ‘Ever 6’ pupils—those currently eligible for Free School Meals or who have been eligible within the past six years.

However, we recognise that:

• Not all pupils eligible for Free School Meals require additional support to reach their potential.

• Not all families who are entitled to Free School Meals make a claim.

• Some pupils who need additional support may not be eligible for Free School Meals.

For this reason, some Pupil Premium provision may also support other pupils who have been identified as vulnerable or in need of additional support.

Monitoring and Support

The Senior Leadership Team (SLT) closely monitors the attainment and progress of all pupils. Using both ongoing assessment and formal assessment points, the school identifies pupils who may benefit from additional support.

The SLT works with class teachers to plan targeted interventions and support to ensure that every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.