Pupil Premium

Pupil Premium is an allocation of additional funding provided to schools to support specific groups of children who are vulnerable to possible underachievement.  These include: 

• ​Pupils who are entitled to free school meals

• Those looked after by the local authority 

• Children of armed service personnel

​The Government believes that the Pupil Premium, which is additional to main school funding, is the best way to address the current underlying inequalities between children eligible for free school meals (FSM) and their peers by ensuring that funding to tackle disadvantage reaches the pupils who need it most.

Pupil Premium- Do you Qualify?

Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:

• income Support

• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

• income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• the guaranteed element of Pension Credit

• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)

• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

• Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.

How does it work?

First check if you qualify - it is not just if you are unemployed, so please look at the list.  Registering is quick and easy - apply through the Devon Citizens Portal. This is the quickest and easiest way to apply and will result in you getting an instant decision. Alternatively, call the Education Helpline on 0345 155 1019 with your National Insurance Number, date of birth, name and child's details and an eligibility check can be carried out.  This will confirm if your details have been matched or not.  Your application will be dealt with in a confidential and discreet manner by the Department and our School.

If you are eligible then your child will be entitled to have a free, healthy meal at lunchtime. Our kitchen manager, can cater for a wide range of allergies, intolerances and dietary needs. If you don't want your child to have the school meals they can continue with their packed lunch as normal - as long as you qualify and register, the school will still receive the Pupil Premium Grant to support your child's learning needs. Pop in and see us if you want to find out more.