Pupil Premium
Overarching Principles
The government’s rationale behind Pupil Premium is in complete accord with the school's mission statement "Learning, Living, Loving together in Christ."
It is also in harmony with our focus on Catholic Social Teaching which, among other things, asks us always to pursue the "preferential option for the poor" in practical ways. Consequently, all members of staff and governors accept responsibility for those pupils recognised as 'disadvantaged’ and are committed to meeting their pastoral, social and academic needs.
Every child who is considered to be ‘disadvantaged’ is valued, respected and entitled to develop to his/her full potential, irrespective of disadvantage.
Background to the Pupil Premium
Introduced in April 2011, the Pupil Premium is a Government initiative that provides additional funding aimed at pupils from deprived backgrounds. Research shows that pupils from deprived backgrounds underachieve compared to their non‐deprived peers. The Pupil Premium is provided in order to support these pupils in reaching their potential by accelerating their progress.
The Government has used pupils entitled to Free School Meals and those who are looked after as an indicator for deprivation. They have given a fixed amount of money to schools per pupil, based on the number of pupils registered for Free School Meals and who are looked after by the local authority. A premium has also been introduced for children whose parents are currently serving in the armed forces. This service premium is designed to address the emotional and social well-being of these pupils.