Frequently asked Questions
What is the Pupil Premium Grant (PPG)?
The Pupil Premium Grant (PPG), introduced in April 2011, aims to increase attainment and aspiration for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing financial support. Research indicates that poverty has a measurable influence on a child’s future life chances.
“The pupil premium is designed to address inequality by giving every school and teacher the resources they need to help their most disadvantaged pupils, allowing them the freedom to respond appropriately to individual circumstances. “ GOV.UK (Jan 2014)"
Although our proportion of PPG students is low we are constantly investigating ways to narrow the progress and attainment gap by actively supporting these students to meet their academic potential and then go beyond it; “Closing the gap” does not simply mean “catch up”.
Who is eligible?
The following Year 7 – Year 11 pupils are eligible for Pupil Premium Funding:
• Pupils currently registered to receive Free School Meals (FSM)
• Pupils registered to receive FSM in the last 6 years (Ever 6 FSM)
• Children of service personnel.
• Looked After Children in Care (LACs / CICs).
How much funding is available?
The following is taken directly from the DfE’s Education Funding website.
• £1,345 for pupils in reception year to year 6 (FSM Ever 6)
• £935 for pupils in year 7 to year 11 (FSM)
• £310 for children of services personnel
Schools get £2,345 for every pupil who has left local authority care through adoption, a special guardianship order or child arrangements order. Funding for these pupils doesn’t go to their school; it goes to the virtual school head (VSH) in the local authority that looks after the child. VSHs are responsible for managing Pupil Premium funding for looked-after children.
Where can I find more information online?
Pupil premium: conditions of grant 2021 to 2022 for local authorities - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pupil-premium-information-for-schools-and-alternative-provision-settings
What if family circumstances change?
The school’s list of eligible pupils is regularly updated throughout the year as family circumstances change. Pupil Premium information is shared confidentially with teaching staff so that they can support students appropriately in the classroom. Pupil Premium funding is used flexibly to respond to the needs of our students – either individually or in groups.
Financial hardship not covered by the PPG
As part of our inclusive ethos we are committed to helping all of our students to fulfil their potential, regardless of circumstances. We therefore extend help and support, where appropriate, to those students who are not eligible for the PPG but where known financial hardship exists. See contact details below.
What happens after Year 11?
Where appropriate we continue to provide support to Sixth Form students who were previously eligible for the Pupil Premium through the 16-19 Bursary scheme. We continue to monitor the progress of PPG students even after they start their Sixth Form studies.
Who is responsible for PP at SHS?
Mr J Blackbourn (Assistant Headteacher) jon.blackbourn@spaldinghigh.lincs.sch.uk