What Is Pupil Premium

In England’s education system, the term “Pupil Premium” often comes up in discussions about school funding and support for disadvantaged children. But what exactly is the Pupil Premium, who qualifies for it, and how does it help pupils succeed? This article provides a clear and detailed explanation of the Pupil Premium, its purpose, how schools use it, and what it means for pupils, parents and teachers.

What Is the Pupil Premium?

The Pupil Premium is additional government funding given to publicly funded schools in England. It is designed to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils and close the achievement gap between them and their peers. The funding allows schools to provide extra support, resources and opportunities tailored to the needs of these pupils.

Introduced in 2011, the Pupil Premium reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring all children have a fair chance to succeed at school, regardless of their background.

Who Is Eligible for Pupil Premium?

Pupil Premium funding is allocated based on certain criteria related to a pupil’s family circumstances. The main groups that qualify include:

• Pupils registered for free school meals (FSM) at any point in the last six years.

• Children who have been looked after by the local authority for more than six months (known as Looked After Children).

• Pupils who have a parent currently serving in the armed forces (known as Service Children).

• Children who have left local authority care through adoption, a special guardianship order or child arrangements order.

Eligibility is usually determined by the school using official data on pupil circumstances.

How Much Funding Do Schools Receive?

The amount of Pupil Premium funding per pupil varies slightly each year but is typically around £1,385 per eligible primary school pupil and £985 per eligible secondary school pupil. Additional funds are provided for Looked After Children and Service Children.

Schools receive this funding on top of their standard budget and decide how best to use it to support eligible pupils.

How Do Schools Use Pupil Premium Funding?

Schools have considerable flexibility in how they spend Pupil Premium money. Common uses include:

• Extra teaching or one-to-one tuition to help pupils catch up.

• Funding specialist support such as counselling or mentoring.

• Providing resources like books, technology or learning materials.

• Subsidising school trips or extracurricular activities to broaden experiences.

• Supporting attendance and behaviour initiatives.

Schools are required to publish details of their Pupil Premium spending and the impact it has on outcomes, ensuring transparency.

Why Is the Pupil Premium Important?

Research has shown that children from disadvantaged backgrounds tend to face more barriers to academic success, including lower attainment levels. The Pupil Premium aims to address these inequalities by providing targeted support that helps pupils overcome challenges.

The funding enables schools to offer personalised interventions that might not be possible otherwise, helping to close the gap in achievement and improve long-term prospects.

Pros and Cons of the Pupil Premium Approach

One advantage of the Pupil Premium is that it directs resources to where they are most needed, making education more equitable. Schools can tailor support to individual pupils rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

However, some critics argue that the funding is not always sufficient to fully overcome disadvantage. The impact of spending varies between schools, and there is ongoing debate about the best ways to measure its effectiveness.

What Does Pupil Premium Mean for Parents and Pupils?

For parents, knowing that their child qualifies for Pupil Premium can be reassuring, as it means the school receives extra support funding on their behalf. It is worth discussing with the school how this funding is being used to benefit the child.

Pupils themselves may receive additional help in lessons or through extracurricular programmes, giving them a better chance to thrive academically and socially.

How Does Pupil Premium Fit into the Wider Education System?

The Pupil Premium complements other government initiatives aimed at reducing educational inequality, such as the Early Years Pupil Premium and targeted support for vulnerable groups.

Schools integrate Pupil Premium strategies with their broader teaching and pastoral care plans to create a supportive learning environment for all students.

Insider Tips for Parents and Students

Parents should ensure their child’s eligibility is registered with the school to secure Pupil Premium funding. This can be done through the school office or local authority.

Engaging with teachers and school leaders about Pupil Premium use helps parents understand how the funding benefits their child. Parents can also support learning at home and encourage participation in school activities funded by the Pupil Premium.

Conclusion

The Pupil Premium is a vital part of England’s education system, providing additional resources to help disadvantaged pupils succeed. By targeting funding and support, it aims to level the playing field and give every child the opportunity to reach their full potential. Understanding what the Pupil Premium is and how it works empowers parents and students to make the most of the support available.