What is Pupil Premium Funding?

All schools receive additional funding, known as the Pupil Premium, for children who meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Children who are currently eligible for free school meals, or who have been eligible at any point in the last six years (Ever 6)

• Children who have a parent serving in the armed forces (Service children)

• Children who have been looked after continuously for at least six months, or who have previously been looked after and are now adopted or under a special guardianship or child arrangements order

We update our records annually to ensure we have an accurate understanding of our school population. However, if your circumstances change at any time, please inform the school office so that we can offer appropriate support.

Free School Meals Eligibility

Your child may be eligible for free school meals if you are in receipt of any of the following benefits:

• 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 guarantee element of State Pension Credit

• Child Tax Credit (provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and your annual household income does not exceed £16,190)

• Universal Credit (provided your household income is £7,400 a year or less, after tax and not including benefits)

If you are unsure whether you are entitled to free school meals, the school can check for you using the confidential Eligibility Checking Service. If you would like us to do this, please contact the school office and provide your National Insurance number and date of birth.

Our Use of Pupil Premium Funding

In line with our vision and values, St Mary’s seeks to ensure the effective and strategic use of Pupil Premium funding. The documents below set out how the funding is allocated and the impact it has on pupils in receipt of the Pupil Premium Grant.

The Governing Body reviewed and approved the 2025–26 Pupil Premium Strategy at the Full Governing Body meeting on 3rd December 2025.