Pupil Premium

In Catholic schools, the mission to provide a high-quality, inclusive education is deeply rooted in the Gospel values of love, compassion, and justice. Every child is seen as a unique individual, created in the image of God, and deserving of the opportunity to achieve their full potential. The Pupil Premium funding plays a pivotal role in ensuring that this vision becomes a reality for all students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

What is Pupil Premium?

The Pupil Premium is additional funding provided by the government to schools in England to help close the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers. This funding is allocated to support pupils who:

  • Are currently eligible for free school meals (FSM), or have been eligible at any point in the last six years (known as FSM Ever 6).
  • Are looked after by the local authority or have left local authority care through adoption, special guardianship, or a child arrangements order.
  • Come from families where one or both parents serve in the armed forces.

For Catholic schools, this funding is not just a financial resource; it is a profound opportunity to live out their mission of service to the poor and vulnerable.

Our Success with Pupil Premium is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff. Our results can be seen below

Year

Progress 8 Measure

Attainment 8

English and Maths 4+

2020

+0.08

4.7

72%

2021

+0.28

4.7

63%

2022

+0.71

4.9

81%

2023

+0.48

4.2

70%

2024

+0.91

4.6

70%

Supporting the Most Vulnerable

In a Catholic school, the principles of social justice and equality are at the heart of the educational experience. Pupil Premium funding allows schools to:

  • Provide Tailored Academic Support: Disadvantaged pupils may face additional barriers to learning, such as limited access to books or technology at home. Schools use Pupil Premium to provide resources like laptops, one-on-one tutoring, or small group interventions to help close the attainment gap.
  • Enhance Well-being and Pastoral Care: Recognising the emotional and spiritual needs of each child is a hallmark of Catholic education. Pupil Premium funding is often used to support pastoral initiatives such as counselling services, mental health workshops, and extracurricular activities that build confidence and self-esteem.
  • Offer Enrichment Opportunities: Many disadvantaged pupils may lack access to extracurricular activities that broaden horizons and develop cultural capital. With Pupil Premium, Catholic schools can subsidise trips, music lessons, or sports programs, ensuring every child has the chance to explore their God-given talents.
  • Strengthen Family Engagement: Working in partnership with families is central to Catholic education. Schools may use the funding to run workshops for parents, provide translation services, or offer practical support such as breakfast clubs, enabling families to feel more involved in their children’s education.

The two PDF’s below show our impact statement for the year 2023-2024 and our vision to help bridge the gap for the academic year 2024- 2025

A Commitment to Holistic Development

The ethos of a Catholic school goes beyond academic achievement. Pupil Premium funding allows these schools to focus on the holistic development of each child—intellectually, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. By addressing the specific needs of disadvantaged pupils, Catholic schools can ensure that no child is left behind, embodying the Gospel’s call to serve the marginalized. Pupil Premium funding is more than a financial resource; it is a vital tool in fulfilling the mission of Catholic education. By providing targeted support for disadvantaged pupils, Catholic schools can help to transform lives, build brighter futures, and bring the Gospel’s message of hope and love into action. In doing so, they affirm the dignity of every child and ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to achieve their God-given potential.

Governance of Pupil Premium

Mr S Bell Deputy Headteacher and Pupil Premium Lead- [email protected]

Mrs T Williams – Foundation Governor – [email protected]