What is Pupil Premium?

Pupil Premium is additional funding provided by the government to help schools improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged pupils and ensure that every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

At Clifton Primary School, our ethos of ‘Aspire to Achieve’ reflects our commitment to ensuring that all children, regardless of their background or circumstances, receive a high-quality education and have access to a wide range of opportunities and experiences.

We use Pupil Premium funding to help remove barriers to learning, raise achievement and ensure that disadvantaged pupils are supported to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

Who is Eligible for Pupil Premium?

Schools receive Pupil Premium funding for pupils who meet certain eligibility criteria, including:

• Children who are eligible for qualifying benefits-based free school meals, or who have been eligible at any point during the previous six years.

• Children who are currently looked after by a local authority.

• Children who were previously looked after and have since been adopted or left care under certain arrangements.

• Children whose parents are serving in the armed forces or meet other service-related eligibility criteria (Service Pupil Premium).

For the 2026–27 financial year, schools receive £1,550 for each eligible primary-aged pupil under the main free school meals Pupil Premium category.

Free School Meals – Could Your Child Be Eligible?

Even if your child already receives a free school meal, it is important to check whether they are eligible for benefits-related support.

From September 2026, all children from households receiving Universal Credit are entitled to free school meals, regardless of household earnings. Families receiving certain other qualifying benefits may also be eligible.

However, not all children receiving free school meals automatically attract Pupil Premium funding. Eligibility for additional school funding depends on the government's specific criteria.

Why is it important to register?

Registering for benefits-based free school meals helps ensure that your child receives the support they are entitled to and, where eligible, enables Clifton to receive additional funding to support pupils' education.

This is particularly important for children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, who already receive universal infant free school meals, regardless of family income.

Check whether your child is eligible:

LGfL Free School Meals Eligibility Checker

Apply for Free School Meals – GOV.UK

If you are unsure whether you qualify or need support with the application process, please contact the school office.

How Do We Use Pupil Premium at Clifton?

We carefully consider the needs of our pupils and use evidence-informed approaches to ensure that Pupil Premium funding makes a meaningful difference.

Our priorities include:

• High-quality teaching: Ensuring all pupils benefit from effective teaching, appropriate adaptations and an ambitious curriculum.

• Targeted academic support: Providing additional teaching and interventions to help pupils overcome barriers to learning and make strong progress.

• Attendance and wellbeing: Working closely with pupils and families to support good attendance, positive wellbeing and readiness to learn.

• Enrichment and opportunity: Helping to ensure that disadvantaged pupils have access to the wider experiences and opportunities