- raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils of all abilities to reach their potential
- support children and young people with parents in the regular armed forces.
Each year in October a main school census is taken.
Children marked as entitled to an ‘Income and Credit Based Free School Meal’ at this time or within the last 6 years will be allocated a Pupil Premium. This is paid directly to the school and will be used to directly benefit the education of Pupil Premium children. Our school spends the Pupil Premium in many different ways to ‘close the gap’ based on barriers we have identified and outlined in our strategy statement, which you can view below:
The pupil premium funding is intended to directly benefit the children who are eligible. A child who has received ‘Income and credit based Free School Meals’ within the last 6 years or a child who has been looked after under local authority care for more than one day, will be given pupil premium funding. It can also be received for a child whose parent works within the armed forces.
Income and credit based Free School Meals eligibility criteria:
- Universal Credit (with an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400)
- Income Support
- Income-related Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (without Working Tax Credit) and an annual gross income of no more than £16,190.
- A child who is in or was once in the care system for a day or more
- A child who is adopted
- You work in the Armed services or TA now or within the last 5 years.
If you feel that you meet any of the above criteria then please follow the link below to fill out your application via the Cornwall Council Website.
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/education-and-learning/schools-and-colleges/school-meals/application-for-free-school-meals-and-pupil-premium/
All matters regarding the use of Pupil Premium funds are treated with discretion and in confidence.
Pupil Premium and Free School Meals
A Simple Guide for Parents and Staff
What is Pupil Premium?
Pupil Premium is additional funding provided by the government to help schools improve outcomes for disadvantaged pupils and ensure every child can achieve their full potential.
Who qualifies for Pupil Premium?
-
Children eligible for Targeted Free School Meals (FSM).
-
Children who have been eligible for Targeted FSM within the last six years (Ever 6).
-
Children previously looked after by a local authority, including some adopted children.
-
Looked-after children.
Free School Meals: What Has Changed?
From September 2026 there are two categories of Free School Meals.
-
Targeted FSM: Children meeting the income-based eligibility criteria. These children attract Pupil Premium funding.
-
Expanded FSM: Children in households receiving Universal Credit who do not meet the Targeted FSM threshold. These children receive free meals but do not attract Pupil Premium funding.
The Key Difference
|
Category |
Free School Meal? |
Pupil Premium? |
|
Targeted FSM |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Expanded FSM |
Yes |
No |
|
Ever 6 FSM |
Not always |
Yes |
Why Registration Matters
Registering for Targeted Free School Meals can help schools access valuable additional funding which benefits children through enhanced support and opportunities.
In Summary
-
Pupil Premium is funding for schools, not individual families.
-
Targeted FSM generates Pupil Premium funding.
-
Expanded FSM provides free meals but does not generate Pupil Premium.