Pupil Premium

The pupil premium grant was first introduced in April 2011. Research shows that pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds underachieve compared to their non-disadvantaged peers. Publicly-funded schools in England receive extra funding from the government to help them improve the attainment of disadvantaged pupils and support them to reach their potential.

The pupil premium for 2025/26 will include pupils recorded in the January 2025 school census who are known to have been eligible for free school meals at any point in the last six years (known as ‘Ever 6 FSM’), as well as those first known to be eligible in January 2025. Schools also receive funding for children who are looked-after (LAC) or previously looked-after (PLAC). Children of service personnel also receive a premium. Premium rates for 2025/26 are as follows:

Context of our school

St Michael with St John CE Primary School is situated in an area of high deprivation. The School Profile (2024) indicates that 68% of pupils live in the bottom third of most deprived areas in the town, compared to the Local Authority average of 56%. 

As a result of this, our disadvantaged pupils may experience the following circumstances:

• low income households;
• poor or overcrowded housing;
• low levels of communication, language, literacy and numeracy;
• a lack of nursery provision leading to delayed social, emotional and academic development; 
• speaking English as an additional language due to them coming from homes where little or no English is spoken;
• restricted opportunities to enrich and extend learning outside of school.

Pupil Premium Strategy Statement

A 3-year Pupil Premium Strategy Statement is produced with details of the pupil premium funding allocated to our school, proposed spending of the allocated funding and priorities for the current academic year, along with the impact of the pupil premium funding on attainment and progress during the previous academic year. This serves as a report about how the pupil premium funding has been used to implement strategies to support disadvantaged pupils. The Pupil Premium Strategy Statement is a 3-year plan. However, it is reviewed on a termly basis and updated annually to reflect the impact of chosen actions on pupil outcomes. Please see below:

Free School Meals

HELP YOUR CHILD AND OUR SCHOOL BY APPLYING FOR FREE SCHOOL MEALS

Did you know that even if your child is in Reception, Year 1, or Year 2 and already receives Universal Free School Meals, applying for free school meals could benefit our school and your child?

If your child is eligible for free school meals due to your household income, submitting an application means our school can receive additional funding through the Pupil Premium Grant. This extra funding helps us to provide valuable resources, support, and enrichment activities for all children, along with your child receiving additional subsidies.

Why Should You Apply?

• There’s no change to your child’s meals - they’ll continue to enjoy their free school lunch as usual.
• Our school will receive extra funding that directly benefits your child and the school.

Who Is Eligible?
Your child will get free school meals if you receive the following support payments:

• Income Support (IS)
• Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
• An income-related employment and support allowance
• The guarantee element of State Pension Credit (PCGC) support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income, as assessed by Inland Revenue that does not exceed £16,190

How to Apply

1. Visit the following link or click here: https://www.blackburn.gov.uk/schools-and-education/school-and-pupil-support/school-meals
2. Fill in the online form or support in doing this at the school office.
3. Submit your application - it’s quick, easy, and confidential.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility or have questions, please contact the school office on 01254 665190 or pop in and speak to someone. We’re here to help!

Your application can make a big difference in supporting our school community, so please apply if you think you may be eligible.

Thank you for your support