At Witchampton First School, we are committed to ensuring that all pupils achieve their full potential, regardless of their background. The pupil premium grant is paid to enable schools to support both disadvantaged children and young people, including those with special educational needs, and to improve educational outcomes. Our Pupil Premium funding is used strategically to close attainment gaps and provide targeted support.

What is the Pupil Premium?

The Pupil Premium is an allocation of additional funding provided to schools to support specific groups of children who are vulnerable to possible underachievement. These include pupils who are entitled to free school meals, those 'looked after' by the Local Authority and those now adopted, but formerly 'looked after'. Since 2012, funding has been extended to include pupils who have been eligible for free school meals at any time within the last 6 years.

Nationally, statistics have shown that students who are in receipt of free school meals (FSM) do less well than their peers in external exams. The aim of this money is to try to close that attainment gap.

All schools are required to publish, on their websites, what the funding they have received is and how the money is being spent. Please refer below for details of how we spend the Pupil Premium at Witchampton CofE First School.

Eligibility for Pupil Premium, and Impact of Funding Click on the links at the bottom of this page:

• An explanation of the purpose behind Pupil Premium funding, and information on how schools are funded. Government Pupil Premium Information

How do I apply?

Apply online at: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/education-and-training/schools-andlearning/at-school/pupil-premium.aspx  

You will need your National Insurance Number to hand. You will find out straight away if you are eligible. If you need access to a computer, we can provide this in school. If you have any question, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Pupil Premium Strategy Updates 2024-25

Witchampton C of E First School currently have fewer than 5 pupils eligible for Pupil Premium Funding. In order to ensure that individual pupils are not identifiable the school has followed DfE guidance in not publishing a Pupil Premium Strategy for the current academic year. 

'In line with the conditions of grant, schools whose allocation for pupil premium is based on six or more eligible pupils must publish a strategy statement annually using the DfE template. Schools whose allocation is based on 5 eligible pupils or fewer are not required to publish a strategy statement'. DfE 'Using Pupil Premium Guidance for School Leaders - March 2023'

Parents or visitors with queries about how the school uses its pupil premium may contact the school: office@witchamptonfirstschool.org