Pupil Premium

At Notre Dame we are pleased to use Pupil Premium funding to help all of our young people to thrive – as learners, as positive contributors to school and community life, and in achieving happy, successful and fulfilled lives.

Pupil Premium is additional funding provided by the Government to help schools improve the educational outcomes of disadvantaged pupils. The funding enables schools to provide targeted academic, pastoral and enrichment support to ensure every student can reach their full potential.

Who qualifies for Pupil Premium?

Schools receive Pupil Premium funding for pupils who:

• Are currently eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals (FSM).
• Have been eligible for Free School Meals at any point in the previous six years (known as Ever 6 FSM).
• Have been looked after by a local authority for one day or more, or have left local authority care through adoption, a special guardianship order or child arrangements order.
• Have a parent serving in the regular Armed Forces, have served in the last six years, or are in receipt of a military pension.

What does being eligible for Pupil Premium mean at Notre Dame?

Students eligible for Pupil Premium benefit from a range of additional support, including:

• High-quality, inclusive teaching in every classroom.
• Regular tracking of academic progress and personalised intervention where required.
• Small group or one-to-one tuition to address any gaps in learning.
• Financial support for essential learning resources, including technology where appropriate.
• Assistance with the cost of educational visits and enrichment opportunities, including music tuition and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
• Revision guides and learning materials for key examination subjects.
• Pastoral support to promote wellbeing, attendance and engagement with school life.

For detailed information about how Pupil Premium funding is allocated and the support available during the current academic year, please see the documents below.

Free School Meals from September 2026

From September 2026, the Government has expanded eligibility for benefits-related Free School Meals. Your child will be eligible for free school meals if you receive Universal Credit, regardless of your household earnings. The previous earnings threshold no longer applies. You may also qualify for Free School Meals (FSM) and other help if you receive certain other benefits or support.

There are two types of entitlement:

Targeted FSM: you receive Universal Credit and earn under £7,400 a year or another qualifying benefit (listed below): your children are entitled to FSM and extra support for their school via the Pupil Premium.

Other qualifying benefits:

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit

Families with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) may also be eligible. Please use the separate application fund to apply for this.

Expanded FSM: if you earn above £7,400 your children will be entitled to FSM only.

How do families apply?

If you receive Universal Credit, or the other qualifying benefits listed, we encourage you to apply for Free School Meals by completing the Free School Meals application form below, even if you do not think your child needs a school meal.

Registering is quick and confidential and helps the school secure valuable Pupil Premium funding that benefits your child throughout their education.

If you have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) please use the separate application form.

For further information about Pupil Premium or Free School Meals, or if you need help applying, please contact Miss K Freezer (Assistant Headteacher).