What is Pupil Premium?

Pupil Premium is additional funding for publicly funded schools in England to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils of all abilities and to close the gaps between them and their peers.

The funds allocated to a school are based on the number of pupils in the school who are, or have been in the last six years, eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), and is valuable funding to support those in most need. Schools receive a payment for each child who is registered for Free School Meals (FSM).

How can I apply for Pupil Premium for my child?

At St Mary’s we would urge all parents/carers who may be eligible (including those receiving Universal Free School Meals) to take up their entitlement.

Please visit www.hertsdirect.org/freeschoolmeals for further details.


If you require assistance with a free school meals application please call the Customer Service Centre on 0300 123 4048 (8am-8pm Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm Saturday), or speak to the school office and we will be happy to help you.

How is Pupil Premium funding deployed at St Mary’s?

We believe that no pupil should be deprived of reaching his or her potential both academically and emotionally.

Barriers to learning for eligible children have been identified and appropriate support considered:

• Social and Emotional conditions requiring support: Nurture, specialist therapeutic intervention, family support
• Behaviour: having a readiness to learn with good "behaviour for learning" in school;  pupils with specific social and emotional needs which affect their learning
• Parental engagement: workshop events, family support, attendance support

The documents below show details of our planned spending for the year 2023/24.