What is the Pupil Premium?

The Pupil Premium provides additional funding on top of the main funding a school receives. It is targeted at pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to ensure they benefit from the same opportunities as pupils from less deprived families. The main purpose of the funding is to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils by closing the gap with their peers. The funding goes to students who are currently in receipt of free school meals. Pupils in care or who have been looked after by local authorities and pupils adopted from care also continue to qualify for the Pupil Premium. Pupils whose parents are in the armed services also are entitled to a Service Premium from September 2013. From 2012-13, the Government extended its reach to cover any child that has been registered for free school meals (FSM) in the past six years (known as Ever6). How the Pupil Premium is spent is monitored closely, with all schools accountable for the impact of the money spent. At Hollyfast we pride ourselves on utilising the Pupil Premium to support our students with a specific focus on Literacy, Maths, year group transition and mentoring/nurture.

Why is there a pupil premium?

Pupils who have been eligible for free school meals at any point in their school career have consistently had lower educational attainment than those who have never been eligible. The goal of Pupil Premium is to close this gap in attainment.

How many pupils at Hollyfast  are eligible for the Pupil Premium?

11.48% of students at Hollyfast are eligible for the Pupil Premium.

Is there an issue with eligible pupils not applying for FSM?

Parents with an annual income below £16,190 and who are in receipt of Child Tax Credit and Income Support but Do Not receive Working Tax Credit are eligible for Pupil Premium. Parents are required to complete a free school meal application form and return to school.  It is very important to apply even if you do not intend taking up the free school meals or have a child in Reception, Year 1 or 2 who is entitled to a free school meal as part of the Universal Free School Meal initiative.  Obtaining entitlement to Pupil Premium will enable the school to apply for extra funding. This will be used to provide additional help for your child and will entitle you to other support such as subsidy towards school visits, residential trips, music lessons and extra-curricular activities. Please contact the school office for further help or advice. They will be very happy to assist you.

How will the impact of the spending of the Pupil Premium be measured?

To monitor progress on attainment, new measures will be included in the performance tables that will capture the achievement of students covered by the Pupil Premium. At Hollyfast , the usual cycle of data collection and the monitoring and tracking of the cohort’s attainment, will be used to inform student progress and enable the early identification of need, support and appropriate intervention.

If you would like further information regarding Pupil Premium, please visit the Department of Education's website here