The Pupil Premium Grant is additional funding provided by the government to schools to help close the gap in achievement between disadvantaged pupils and their peers. The amount of funding a school receives depends on the number of eligible pupils it has.

Who is eligible for the Pupil Premium?
The grant is targeted at pupils who are considered the most disadvantaged. This includes children who:

• Are currently or have ever been eligible for free school meals (FSM)

• Are ‘looked after’ by the local authority

• Have been adopted from care

• Are children of Service personnel

In addition, schools may also support pupils who, while not eligible for the grant, have experienced disadvantage, such as:

• Pupils who have ever had a social worker

• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities

Funding 2025

• £1,455 per eligible pupil

• £2,530 per pupil who is looked after or adopted from care

How the Pupil Premium can be used?
Schools have flexibility in how the Pupil Premium is spent, as long as it benefits the targeted pupils. Examples include:

1. Teaching and Learning

• Staff training and professional development to improve teaching quality and outcomes for disadvantaged pupils

2. Academic Support

• Additional tuition, mentoring, or small group work to address barriers to learning

3. Wider Approaches

• Non-academic support to enhance well-being and opportunities, such as:

  • Breakfast clubs

  • Music lessons

  • Financial support for trips and visits

  • Speech and language therapy

Using the Pupil Premium in these ways can help:

• Boost pupils’ confidence and resilience

• Encourage higher aspirations

• Support pupils who may not be eligible but still face challenges

Accountability and Transparency
Schools are required by law to publish how the Pupil Premium is used and the impact it has had on pupils’ achievement. This ensures that:

• Parents and guardians can understand the school’s Pupil Premium strategy

• Governing bodies can review evidence-based decisions and monitor the effectiveness of funding

Further information
For more details, guidance, and updates, visit the government’s official Pupil Premium page: gov.uk/pupil-premium