What is the Pupil Premium?

Pupil Premium is additional funding provided by the government to help schools improve educational outcomes for eligible pupils. It is intended to support children who may face additional barriers to learning and help ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive.

At St Wilfrid’s, we use this funding to support pupils’ learning, wellbeing and wider development, helping every child to flourish.

Who is Eligible for Pupil Premium Funding?

Pupil Premium funding is available for eligible pupils, including children who qualify for free school meals (FSM).

Receiving free school meals does not automatically mean that a child is eligible for Pupil Premium. From September 2026, the government has expanded free school meal entitlement to all children living in households receiving Universal Credit, regardless of household earnings. The government distinguishes between two types of free school meal entitlement: 

• Targeted free school meals: Children who meet the relevant income-related eligibility criteria may qualify for Pupil Premium funding.
• Expanded free school meals: Children in Universal Credit households whose annual household earnings are above the relevant threshold can receive free school meals, but this entitlement alone does not attract Pupil Premium funding.

Pupil Premium funding is also allocated to schools for:

• Children who have been eligible for FSM at any point in the last 6 years (Ever 6).
• Looked-After Children (LAC) – children in the care of a local authority.
• Previously Looked-After Children (PLAC) – those who have been adopted from care or are under a guardianship order.
• Children of Service Personnel – children from families serving in the Armed Forces.

What will be changing from September 2026?

Previously, families receiving Universal Credit had to meet an earnings threshold to qualify for free school meals. From September 2026, all children in households receiving Universal Credit are entitled to free school meals, regardless of household earnings.  However, the expansion of free school meals does not mean that every child receiving a free meal will attract Pupil Premium funding.

What should parents and carers do?

If your family receives Universal Credit, or you think your child may be eligible for benefits-related free school meals, follow the link to apply online.

https://notts.cloud.servelec-synergy.com/SynergyWeb/FSM.aspx

If you are unable to apply online, please call 0300 500 80 80

Even if your child already receives a free school meal through Universal Infant Free School Meals in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2, it is important to check whether they may also qualify through the benefits-related scheme. Registering your child’s eligibility helps the school identify pupils who may qualify for additional funding. If you are unsure whether your child qualifies for Pupil Premium, please contact the school office, who will be happy to advise you.

What the Service Does for Parents

The online application process is quick and easy. By entering your details, the system automatically checks eligibility and provides an immediate ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response.

What the Service Does for Schools

Schools are notified of eligible pupils, allowing us to access additional funding that benefits the education of all pupils by enabling:

• Additional staffing for small group and individual support.
• Investment in equipment, resources, and activities to enrich learning experiences.

Principles at St Wilfrid’s CE Primary School

At St Wilfrid’s, we are committed to ensuring that all pupils, regardless of their background or challenges, achieve their full potential.

We:

• Provide high-quality teaching and targeted support to meet the needs of disadvantaged pupils.
• Identify and address barriers to learning, including gaps in knowledge and poor retention of curriculum content.
• Offer pastoral support to help children develop emotional resilience and self-esteem.
• Engage families and carers in their child’s learning journey to improve outcomes.

Main Barriers to Educational Achievement at St Wilfrid’s

Based on our school’s context, the main barriers to learning for some pupils include:

• Poor retention of curriculum knowledge and skills.
• Gaps in essential knowledge (non-negotiables).
• Poor attendance.
• Siblings with SEND or complex needs.
• Recently separated families.
• Reduced home support.
• Limited opportunities to read with an adult outside school.
• Low self-esteem and confidence.

How We Use the Pupil Premium Grant (PPG)

At St Wilfrid’s CE Primary School, we use our Pupil Premium funding to provide a wide range of interventions, resources, and initiatives, including:

• Quality First Teaching to meet all pupils’ needs.
• Music Tuition – providing equal access to musical education.
• Subsidised Residential Trips – ensuring all pupils can participate.
• Educational Visits – broadening experiences beyond the classroom.
• Before and After-School Clubs – improving engagement and wellbeing.
• Booster Sessions – targeted academic support for identified pupils.
• Swimming Lessons – ensuring every child meets swimming standards.
• Increased Teaching Assistant Support – offering small group and 1:1 support.
• Emotional Wellbeing Support – helping pupils manage emotions and build resilience.

We regularly assess the impact of these interventions through progress tracking, pupil progress meetings, questionnaire feedback, and end-of-Key Stage results.

2026-2027 Pupil Premium Funding Rates

The current funding rates for the 2025-2026 academic year are as follows:

Category	Funding per Pupil
Ever 6 FSM (Reception to Year 6)	£1,550
Looked-After Children (LAC)	£2,690
Previously Looked-After Children (PLAC)	£2,690
Service Children (Ever 5 Service)	£360

Service Pupil Premium (SPP)

The Service Pupil Premium (SPP) is designed to provide pastoral support for children from Armed Forces families who may face unique challenges, such as mobility or parental deployment.

To qualify, a child must meet one of the following criteria:

• One of their parents is serving in the regular Armed Forces (including full-time reserve).
• They have been registered as a service child in the school census at any point since 2015.
• They receive a pension under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or War Pensions Scheme following a parent’s death in service.

If you are a Service family, please inform Mrs Martin (Pupil Premium Lead) or the school office.