What is Pupil Premium?

Pupil Premium is additional government funding provided to schools to help improve the educational outcomes of disadvantaged children and ensure that every child has the opportunity to achieve their potential.

Pupil Premium funding is provided for children who are eligible for Targeted Free School Meals, or who have been eligible during the previous six years (often referred to as Ever 6). Funding is also provided for looked-after and previously looked-after children, with separate funding available for eligible children from service families.

Free School Meals – what has changed?

From September 2026, the government has expanded eligibility for Free School Meals. All children from households receiving Universal Credit can now receive a free school meal, regardless of household earnings.

There are now two categories:

• Targeted Free School Meals – generally for families receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less. Children in this group may also attract Pupil Premium funding and other associated support.

• Expanded Free School Meals – for children in households receiving Universal Credit who do not meet the Targeted Free School Meals criteria. These children are entitled to a free school meal, but this entitlement does not generate Pupil Premium funding for the school.

Could my child be eligible?

Even if your child already receives a free school meal – including children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 – it is important that families make sure they are registered for the correct entitlement.

Registering for Targeted Free School Meals, where eligible, can bring additional funding into school which we can use to support children's learning, wellbeing and wider opportunities.

We encourage all families who think they may be eligible to apply or speak to the school office. All enquiries will be treated sensitively and confidentially.