The 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 and children of armed service personnel.  The intended effect of this funding is to accelerate progress and raise attainment.

In most cases the Pupil Premium is allocated to schools and is clearly identifiable.  It is for schools to decide how the Pupil Premium, allocated to schools per FSM pupil, is spent, since they are best placed to assess what additional provision should be made for the individual pupils within their responsibility.

All schools are required to report on the amount of funding received, how this is being used, and the impact of any work done.