Pupil Premium

Pupil Premium is additional funding that the Government gives to schools and colleges – this funding is targeted at pupils facing the greatest disadvantage.

The Pupil Premium grant was introduced in 2011 by the government to tackle the attainment gap between pupil premium and non-pupil premium students. Based on the number of Pupil Premium students on roll, a sum of money is given to schools each year and it is the responsibility of the school / college to use this money in the most effective way to remove barriers to learning caused by inequality in the given context. The funding is used to ensure that each pupil participates fully in all aspects of school life and reaches his/ her academic potential; ultimately improving life chances. 

Pupil Premium funding is used for three main purposes: 

  1. To improve the quality of teaching and learning, through for example, CPD of teachers.
  2. Provide targeted academic support, such as structured interventions and small group tutoring. 
  3. Support wider strategies, including improving attendance , behaviour and well-being.

At The Castle Rock School, students who are eligible for pupil premium are given a virtual allowance to enable them to purchase resources, revision materials and other essential items required for learning. The allowance also supports a contribution towards uniform costs.  

Eligible students include those who: 

  • Are currently claiming Free School Meals (FSM)
  • Have claimed school meals in the last six years (Ever 6)
  • Are ‘In Service’ by having parents who have served in the armed forces within the last 4 years
  • Are looked After Children (LAC), or have spent at least one day in the care system
Find out if you qualify for Free School Meals:     

Families who receive the following are eligible for Free School Meals (FSMs): 

  • 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) 

 

To check your eligibility and apply online please visit your local authority’s website.  
If you think that your child may be eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), we encourage you to apply, even if your child does not want to eat the food at school as this can help your child in other ways and it is something that benefits our school community.  Please click 'Free School Meal Application' below for further information.

Free School Meal Application or contact 0116 305 5417. 

Pupil premium strategy statement

Each year, by December 31st the school must publish their Pupil Premium Strategy Statement on their website. This outlines the schools plan on how the money will be spent. Each year the plan is reviewed for its impact. 

Pupil Premium Strategy Statement: 2023 - 2026

The Castle Rock school has used The Education Endowment Foundation Guide to the Pupil Premium as well as DfE guidance to inform our Pupil Premium Strategy. To find out more click on the links below:  

https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/public/files/Publications/Pupil_Premium_Guidance.pdf 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pupil-premium/pupil-premium 

Useful Documents

Refund and Payment Request Form

Year 7 PP Allowance Form

Year 8 PP Allowance Form

Year 9 PP Allowance Form

Year 10 PP Allowance Form

Year 11 PP Allowance Form