The Pupil Premium Grant is provided in addition to a school’s core funding. Its purpose is to improve outcomes for disadvantaged pupils by addressing barriers to learning and reducing the attainment gap between pupils eligible for free school meals (FSM) and their peers.
Pupil Premium Strategy:
The information in our strategy outlines how Pupil Premium funding has been allocated and the impact of these approaches.
Click here to view our Pupil Premium Strategy:
Pupil Premium Overview
At St Catharine’s Catholic Primary School, Pupil Premium funding is used in line with Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) guidance. Our approach is rooted in securing high-quality teaching for all pupils as the most effective way to improve outcomes for disadvantaged learners. This is complemented by evidence-informed, targeted support where additional needs are identified.
Leaders identify barriers to learning through careful use of assessment, pastoral information and pupil voice. Strategies and interventions are selected based on their evidence base, likely impact and cost-effectiveness. The school’s Leadership Team and Governing Body, in partnership with the LWCET, regularly monitor and evaluate the impact of Pupil Premium spending to ensure it is improving attainment, progress and wider outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.
From January 2026, Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) will introduce an opt-out auto-award approach to Free School Meals (FSM). This approach is designed to ensure that children in Gloucestershire who are entitled to FSM do not miss out on this support. The scheme will also help schools to access additional funding opportunities, enabling further targeted support for eligible pupils. If your child is eligible for free school meals, the school may receive additional funding to further support their learning and development.
Service Pupil Premium (SPP)
The Service Pupil Premium (SPP) was introduced to recognise the unique challenges faced by children from service families. Schools in England can receive SPP funding for pupils from service families in Reception to Year 11. This funding supports schools in providing additional, mainly pastoral support, helping to reduce the impact of family mobility and parental deployment.
At St Catharine’s Catholic Primary School, SPP funding is used to support pupils’ wellbeing and emotional needs, ensuring continuity and stability during periods of change. Parents and carers are encouraged to inform the school of their service status by speaking with the Headteacher or school office.
