What is Pupil Premium?

Pupil Premium is additional government funding provided to schools to support disadvantaged pupils and improve educational outcomes.

The funding helps schools remove barriers to learning, raise attainment, support wellbeing and provide opportunities that enable pupils to achieve their full potential. At St Luke’s, we use Pupil Premium funding strategically to provide high-quality teaching, targeted support and wider experiences that help pupils develop academically, socially and emotionally.

Schools are required to publish a Pupil Premium Strategy Statement outlining how funding is used and the impact it has on pupils. Please use the link below to access St Luke’s Pupil Premium Strategy Statement.

Current Pupil Premium Strategy

Changes to Free School Meals and Pupil Premium from 2026–2027

From September 2026, more children will become eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) as eligibility is expanded to include more families receiving Universal Credit.

It is important to understand that Free School Meals eligibility and Pupil Premium funding eligibility are not the same.

There are two important categories to understand:

Targeted Free School Meals

• Children from households receiving Universal Credit with earnings below the qualifying threshold (currently £7,400 or less per year after benefits) will be eligible for Targeted Free School Meals. These pupils will receive a free school meal and will generate Pupil Premium funding for their school.

Expanded Free School Meals

• Children from households receiving Universal Credit with earnings above the Targeted FSM threshold will also be eligible for a free school meal. However, these pupils will not generate Pupil Premium funding for their school.

Children who previously qualified for Targeted Free School Meals remain protected through the Ever 6 provision, meaning schools continue to receive Pupil Premium funding for these pupils for six years after eligibility.

If you are unsure whether your child is eligible for Free School Meals, please contact the school office, who will be happy to provide guidance and support.

How do we use Pupil Premium funding at St Luke’s?

We use Pupil Premium funding to address barriers and improve outcomes for eligible pupils. This includes:

• Providing high-quality teaching and classroom support.
• Delivering targeted academic interventions.
• Supporting attendance, wellbeing and emotional development.
• Providing access to clubs, trips and enrichment opportunities.
• Developing pupils’ confidence, independence and resilience.

Our approach is based on understanding each child as an individual and ensuring that support is matched to their needs.

What support may be available?

Depending on individual circumstances, Pupil Premium funding may contribute towards:

• Additional learning support.
• Pastoral and wellbeing support.
• Educational visits and enrichment opportunities.
• Access to clubs and wider experiences.