Pupil Premium
Pupil Premium is additional funding given to schools so that they can support particular groups of pupils who are at risk of underachievement and close the attainment gap between them and their peers.
The Pupil Premium is allocated to schools for pupils in Reception to Year 11 who are known to be eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) or who have been eligible for FSM in the past 6 years ("Ever 6"). For the 2025-26 financial year, the Primary Pupil Premium rate is £1,515 per pupil.
It is for schools to decide how the funding is spent, using the DfE’s "menu of approaches" to ensure it effectively supports high-quality teaching, targeted academic support, and wider strategies.
Pupil Premium Plus is also allocated for children who have been looked after by the local authority (LAC) for one day or more. In East Sussex, this funding is managed by the Virtual School for Children in Care and is allocated to schools based on needs identified in the child's Personal Education Plan (PEP).
Pupil Premium Strategy Statement 2025-26
http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/pupilsupport/premium
https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals/rother
Your child may be eligible for free school meals if you receive any of the following:
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Universal Credit (From September 2026, all UC recipients qualify; until then, net earnings must be below £7,400).
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Income Support
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Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
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Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
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Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
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The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
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Child Tax Credit (provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
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Working Tax Credit run-on
Note for
St Thomas' Parents: Even if your child is in Reception, Year 1, or Year 2 and receives a universal meal, please still apply if you meet the criteria above. This ensures the school receives the £1,515 Pupil Premium funding to support your child's learning.