Research School Network: Podcast 2 Autumn 2026: A Guide to the Pupil Premium – updates for 2026 – 27 Sign up to get a link to listed to our second podcast of this academic year – released w/​c 19/10/26

In this podcast, our Director, Jane Elsworth, and Assistant Director, Julie Kettlewell, explore the latest updates to Pupil Premium guidance for 2026/27 and what they mean for schools. Focusing on the central aim of improving outcomes for disadvantaged pupils, they discuss the evidence underpinning effective Pupil Premium spending, the importance of addressing persistent attainment gaps, and the wider impact that educational success can have on young people’s future life chances, wellbeing and employment outcomes. The episode also considers how school leaders can develop, implement and evaluate an effective Pupil Premium strategy, ensuring that decisions are evidence-informed, responsive to need and focused on securing the greatest impact for disadvantaged learners.