Pupil Premium
The Government provides Pupil Premium funding to schools to help improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged pupils and to close the attainment gap between these children and their peers. This funding is additional to the main school budget and is targeted at pupils who may face barriers to learning.
Schools receive Pupil Premium funding for pupils who are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), have been eligible for FSM at any point in the previous six years (Ever 6 FSM), are previously looked-after children, or are children from service families. From September 2026, eligibility for Free School Meals has been extended to all pupils from households receiving Universal Credit; however, Pupil Premium funding continues to be allocated based on the Government's Targeted Free School Meals criteria and Ever 6 FSM eligibility.
At St Luke's, we are committed to ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to achieve their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances. We use our Pupil Premium funding strategically to provide additional support, enhance teaching and learning, improve wellbeing, and help all eligible pupils access the full curriculum and wider school experiences.
Schools have the flexibility to decide how best to use their Pupil Premium allocation, based on the needs of their pupils. Our spending decisions are informed by evidence-based research and are carefully monitored to ensure that the funding has a positive impact on pupils' academic achievement, attendance, wellbeing, and personal development.
For the 2026-2027 financial year, schools receive:
- £1,550 for each eligible primary-aged pupil
- £2,690 for each previously looked-after child
- £360 for each eligible service child
Further information about how St Luke's uses its Pupil Premium funding, together with details of the impact of previous spending, can be found in our Pupil Premium Strategy Statement below.
Eligibility for Free School Meals
You may qualify if you are a parent, guardian or carer and receive one of the following:
- Income Support (IS) or you are a pupil receiving the benefit in your own right
- Income Based Jobseekers Allowance (IBJSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999; or
- Child Tax Credit (but not Working Tax Credit) and have an annual income (as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) that does not exceed £16,190
- The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
- Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
- Children who get any of the above benefits in their own right (ie they get benefits payments directly, instead of through a parent or guardian) can also get free school meals.
More information can be found on the Cheshire West and Chester website.
If your child does not have Free School Meals but may be eligible because of your family’s income level, please contact the office (in confidence) to register them. Even if you do not wish them to have the meals, this would mean the school could still claim Pupil Premium Funding that may be used to help your child.
Pupil Premium Policy and Strategy
Our Pupil Premium Strategy details how we are spending our allocation to address barriers to learning and the rationale behind our decisions.
The progress and attainment of children who are entitled to FSM will be measured and evaluated each term. Evaluation will focus on academic gains together with how pupils's self confidence has developed as a consequence of these interventions.
The designated lead person for Pupil Premium funding is Mrs Fairman (SENDCo).
The designated governor for Pupil Premium funding is Mr J. McConnell.