The Pupil Premium is additional funding, on top of main school funding, that is given to schools to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils and close the gap between them and their peers. It is allocated for pupils who are, or have been, eligible for free school meals (FSM), for children who are looked after or have previously been looked after, and for children of armed services personnel.

Schools decide how to spend the Pupil Premium, as they are best placed to assess what additional support their pupils need. However, we must draw on evidence of what works, and we are accountable for how we use this funding to support our disadvantaged pupils.

Each year, we publish a Pupil Premium strategy statement explaining how we plan to spend our allocation and the impact it has had. Click on the link below to read St John’s statement.

Could your child be eligible for Pupil Premium funding?

There are a number of factors taken into account when deciding if a child may be eligible for this additional school funding from the government. If you think that your family may meet this criteria or your family circumstances may have changed, you can either complete the form below or ring 01254 220710. All you need is your national insurance number to check.

Criteria

From September 2026, your child is entitled to free school meals if you receive any of the following:

• Universal Credit (at any income level)
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support
• the guarantee element of Pension Credit
• support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 already receive a free school meal. However, we still urge every eligible family to register, including families of infant children. Registering can bring extra funding into school to support your child.

If you think you may qualify, please complete the form below or ring the Education Office on 01254 220710.

For more information regarding eligibility, please see the following link;

• Free School Meals Eligibility

 

 

• Click here to apply via the online form.
• Pupil Premium funding and accountability for schools
• Armed Services Pupil Premium