PUPIL PREMIUM

Pupil Premium was introduced in April 2011 and is allocated to schools to work with pupils who have been registered for free school meals (FSM). The funding is used to provide additional educational support to improve progress and to raise the standard of achievement for pupils who are registered as eligible for FSM.  Currently, primary schools receive £1550 per pupil for children claiming Targeted FSM and a free meal each day for children claiming Expanded FSM per year. Schools also receive £2690 for all Looked After Children. Additionally, all children with a parent who is serving in the armed forces or is retired on a pension from the Ministry of Defence are allocated £360.

At Leasowes Primary School we aim to ensure that the additional funding reaches the pupils who need it most and that it impacts on their education and lives. We encourage all eligible families to apply.

From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, FSM eligibility is expanding to all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit regardless of household earnings. This creates two categories:

• Targeted FSM: Based on the existing £7,400 income threshold
• Expanded FSM: This covers meals only for pupils in households receiving Universal Credit who do not qualify for Targeted FSM

Free school meals are available to pupils in receipt of, or whose parents are in receipt of, one or more of the following benefits: 

• Universal Credit
• support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

A pupil is only eligible to receive a free school meal where both:

• a claim for this support has been made
• their eligibility has been verified by the school where they are enrolled or by the local authority 

Households may also be entitled to a meal if they:

• are in receipt of income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• receive the guarantee element of Pension Credit
• meet criteria set out in separate guidance for families with no recourse to public funds

The process for applying is straightforward and confidential. You can apply online at the following website:

Pupil Premium

Children in Reception and KS1 are automatically entitled to a free school lunch; however, registering your child for free meals will entitle them to additional support.