Pupil Premium Grant (PPG) is additional funding which is allocated to schools on the basis of the number of pupils who have been eligible for free school meals (FSM) at any point over the last six years (known as ‘Ever 6 FSM’).

The Government believes that the Pupil Premium, which is additional to main school funding, is the best way to address the current underlying inequalities between children eligible for free school meals (FSM) and their wealthier peers by ensuring that funding to tackle disadvantage reaches the pupils who need it most. The Department for Education urges schools and local authorities to encourage parents to register their child as eligible for FSM so that each school receives their maximum Pupil Premium entitlement. 

Academies must use PPG funding for the purpose of raising the educational attainment of PLAC, LAC and pupils who are recorded as FSM Ever 6.

In line with the 3-tiered approach in EEF’s pupil premium guide, activities must be those that:

• support the quality of teaching, such as staff professional development
• provide targeted academic support, such as tutoring, and
• tackle non-academic barriers to academic success, such as attendance, behaviour and social and emotional support.

In 2023 to 2024, schools will receive the following funding for each child registered as eligible for free school meals at any point in the last 6 years:

• £1,455 for pupils in reception year to year 6
• £2530 for Looked After Children (LAC) or previously Looked After Children (PLAC)
• £335 for service children