Pupil Premium
The Pupil Premium is an allocation of additional funding provided to schools to support specific groups of children who are vulnerable to possible underachievement. These include pupils who are entitled to free school meals, those looked after by the local authority and children of armed service personnel. The intended effect of this funding is to accelerate progress and raise attainment.
In most cases the Pupil Premium is allocated to schools and is clearly identifiable. It is for schools to decide how the Pupil Premium, allocated to schools per FSM pupil, is spent, since they are best placed to assess what additional provision should be made for the individual pupils within their responsibility.
All schools are required to report on the amount of funding received, how this is being used, and the impact of any work done.
In 2023/24 academic year St Mary's Catholic Voluntary Academy received £19,3750 in Pupil Premium funding.
In 2024/2025 academic year St Mary's Catholic Voluntary Academy received £7400 in Pupil Premium funding.
In 2025/2026 academic year St Mary's Catholic Voluntary Academy received £6060 in Pupil Premium funding.
This was, and continues to be used as follows:
- CPD for staff to ensure high quality teaching for all children to improve teaching and learning, whilst also providing challenge to stretch and deepen knowledge and skills, particularly in EGPS, writing and maths.
- Identifying areas of strength, to promote challenge and areas to develop, focusing on specific gaps in knowledge or lack of skills.
- Provide opportunities to increase oral language and communication skills.
- Wellbeing of children.
- Communication with parents.
The impact of this work was evident in:
- Improved attainment at the end of Early Years Foundation Stage, Key Stage One and Key Stage Two.
- Increased and sustained attendance across school.
We may use this money to subsidise educational visits, including residential trips, for example by funding transport or board and lodgings. For some children this has a huge impact on their self-esteem and confidence. All matters regarding the use of Pupil Premium funds are treated with discretion and in confidence.
For more information on the Pupil Premium, please visit:
http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/pupilsupport/premium
Pupil premium strategy statement St Mary's CVA 2025-2026