Pupil Premium

What is Pupil Premium?

Pupil Premium is additional government funding provided to schools to help improve the educational outcomes of disadvantaged pupils who may face barriers to learning. At Holy Cross, we are committed to ensuring that every pupil, regardless of background or circumstance, can achieve their full potential and experience the opportunities needed to flourish both academically and personally.

Our Pupil Premium strategy focuses on removing barriers to learning, improving attendance, raising aspirations, developing literacy, supporting wellbeing and ensuring that all pupils can fully participate in school life.

Education Endowment Foundation – Using Pupil Premium

Please note that the Pupil Premium rate has increased for 2026–2027 to £1,100 per eligible secondary-aged pupil.

We are grateful to parents and carers who apply for Pupil Premium eligibility, as this funding allows us to provide targeted support that benefits both eligible pupils and the wider school community.

Pupil Premium Lead – Mrs L Prescott

Mrs Prescott oversees the school’s Pupil Premium strategy, monitoring the progress, attainment, attendance and wider outcomes of pupils eligible for Pupil Premium funding.

For further information about Pupil Premium provision at Holy Cross, please contact the school via the main office.

Pupil Premium Strategy

Our three-year Pupil Premium Strategy sets out:

The barriers to learning faced by our Pupil Premium pupils.
How we use Pupil Premium funding.
The evidence-informed approaches we adopt to improve outcomes.
How the impact of funding is monitored and evaluated.

Current priorities include:

Improving literacy and reading ages.
Raising attendance and reducing persistent absence.
Increasing participation in enrichment opportunities.
Supporting pupil wellbeing, resilience and belonging.
Strengthening parental engagement and support for learning.

These priorities reflect the challenges identified within our school community and form a key part of our School Improvement Plan.

Pupil Premium Strategy 2026-27

How do we support Pupil Premium pupils?

Pupil Premium funding may be used to support:

High-quality teaching and learning
Literacy and reading intervention
Attendance support and family engagement
Pastoral and wellbeing provision
Educational visits and enrichment activities
Careers education and aspiration-raising opportunities
Academic intervention and revision support
Resources and equipment that help remove barriers to learning

The specific allocation of funding is reviewed annually and evaluated for impact.

Free School Meals and Pupil Premium Eligibility

Your child may be eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) and additional support through the Pupil Premium. The Government has recently changes the eligibility for FSM, meaning many more families may now qualify for support from September 2026.

Even if your child does not wish to take a school meal, registering for Free School Meals can provide additional funding to support their education.

All applications are confidential and checking eligibility will not affect any benefits you may currently be entitled to.