What is the pupil premium grant?
The pupil premium grant is funding introduced by the Government to improve the educational outcomes of disadvantaged children and young people. The funding is allocated to schools for pupils from Reception to Year 11 under three main criteria:
- Pupils in Receipt of Free School Meals (FSM) – The College receives specific funds to support pupils who are eligible for free school meals or have been at any point in the last six years.
- Looked after and previously looked after children (LAC, PLAC) – For pupils who are or have ever been in local authority care.
- Service pupil premium (SPP) – For pupils with a parent who is serving in HM Forces or who has retired on a pension from the Ministry of Defence.
The government allows schools to decide how to spend the pupil premium in order to improve attainment. It could be spent on aspirational trips and visits, on in-class support or on specialist services. Attached below is a statement on how we use pupil premium funding at St Richard Reynolds Catholic College. You may access the pupil premium policy HERE.
At St Richard Reynolds Catholic College we recognise that not all pupils who are eligible for Pupil Premium are disadvantaged, and that some disadvantaged pupils are eligible for Pupil Premium. These pupils are identified through the College’s pastoral or progress monitoring systems and we allocate pupil premium funding to support them. If your family is experiencing hardship, please get in touch with the College so that we may offer support. This support is not exclusively for Pupil Premium students; we want to offer our assistance to any families within our community who are experiencing financial difficulties.
How do I apply to receive support?
Even though all Primary school pupils receive free school meals through the Mayor of London’s initiative, it is important to check your eligibility, as being in receipt of free school meals allows the school to claim additional funding to support your child.
Free School Meals
Free School Meals (FSM) is a government scheme that provides eligible children with a healthy, nutritious meal at no cost to support their health, wellbeing and learning. For pupils eligible for benefits-based FSM, meals are provided discreetly as part of the normal lunchtime service, so children are not identified in any way.
Changes to Free School Meals from September 2026
Important updates are coming to the government’s benefits-based FSM scheme from September 2026.
Eligibility Criteria is Expanding
The national FSM system is expanding to support more families. Previously, households claiming Universal Credit only qualified if their annual earnings were under £7,400. From September 2026, this income cap will be removed. If your household receives Universal Credit or other benefits (see below), your children will officially be entitled to Free School Meals and you should claim them under the national scheme, regardless of your income. Because the government’s ‘Transitional Protection’ arrangements are ending, your child’s current FSM eligibility will end unless you reapply and qualify under the new September 2026 criteria.
Other Qualifying Benefits:
- Support under Part VI of the immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Guarantee element of Pension credit
- No Recourse to Public Funds
Why You Should Register
Even though all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 already receive Universal Infant Free School Meals, it is still very important that eligible families register for benefits-based FSM. Registering may enable the school to access additional government funding to support their education. For children moving into Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6), approved FSM status will also ensure continued eligibility for free school meals under the national scheme.
Follow this link to complete the form:
If you think you are eligible for Free School Meals, please complete the FSM Application form and the Payments team will be able to run an eligibility check for you. If you need to speak to someone regarding your application, please email us at payments@srrcc.org.uk.
Please refer to our Pupil Premium strategy for more information.