Pupil Premium Grant

Schools are given additional funding, called the Pupil Premium Grant (PPG), to support specific pupils. PPG provides funding for two areas:

• raising the attainment of disadvantaged pupils of all abilities to reach their potential
• supporting children and young people with parents in the regular armed forces

The pupil premium is intended to directly benefit the children who are eligible, helping to narrow the gap between them and their classmates.

How to apply for additional funds

All Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 pupils in state-funded schools automatically have free school meals. This is known as “universal entitlement”. 

If your child qualifies for free school meals, it’s important that you tell their school – even if they take a packed lunch – as this enables the school to claim pupil premium funds.

However, you may be able to apply for additional funding to support the school's provision for disadvantaged pupils.  Families who receive the following are eligible for free school meals:

• income support
• income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• income-related employment and support allowance (ESA)
• guarantee element of state pension credit
• Universal Credit (with an annual income of less than £7,400)
• Both income-based and contribution-based JSA/ESA if you receive the same amount for both. You should also qualify if you receive both but the income-based amount is greater, but not if the contribution-based amount is greater.
• Families who are awarded Child Tax Credit and have an annual income, as assessed by HMRC, not in excess of £16,190 are also eligible to claim free school meals providing there is no entitlement to Working Tax Credit (unless in respect of a 4-week ‘run-on’

If you think you receive one of the qualifying benefits we recommend that you apply (see link below). This will mean your child’s school does not miss out on important funding. 

It may also mean your child will continue to receive free meals after the end of Year 2.  The online checking system only confirms or denies your eligibility to claim free school meals, it does not give WCC any other information.