PUBLICLY-FUNDED SCHOOLS IN ENGLAND GET EXTRA FUNDING FROM THE GOVERNMENT TO HELP THEM IMPROVE THE ATTAINMENT OF THEIR DISADVANTAGED PUPILS
Closing the attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their peers is the greatest challenge facing English schools. The gap is stubborn because its causes are entrenched and complex, and most lie beyond the control of schools and educators. However, it is clear that schools can make a difference. In England, the gap has closed in both primary and secondary schools since the introduction of the Pupil Premium, and in every part of the country schools have demonstrated how great teaching and careful planning can make a huge impact on the outcomes
of disadvantaged children.
"EVIDENCE SHOWS THAT CHILDREN FROM DISADVANTAGED BACKGROUNDS GENERALLY FACE EXTRA
CHALLENGES IN REACHING THEIR POTENTIAL AT SCHOOL OFTEN DO NOT PERFORM AS WELL AS THEIR
PEERS.THE PUPIL PREMIUM GRANT IS DESIGNED TO ALLOW SCHOOLS TO HELP DISADVANTAGED
PUPILS BY IMPROVING THEIR PROGRESS AND THE EXAM RESULTS THEY ACHIEVE"
Use a tiered approach
You may find focusing on just 3 areas of activity is most effective at narrowing the attainment gap. This tiered approach combines:
staff development to improve teaching targeted academic support
wider strategies that support readiness to learn
Wider school strategies (readiness to learn)
Examples of whole school activities and how they help close the attainment gap are available.
Although the main aim of the pupil premium is to raise attainment, you can spend your pupil premium on:
non-academic outcomes, such as improving pupils’ mental health
non-academic improvements, such as better attendance
activities that will also benefit non-eligible pupils
Ofsted will look at this non-academic provision and readiness for life as part of your inspection.
Disadvantaged pupils with high attainment
Funding is not based on attainment and you’ll get the pupil premium if your pupils meet the eligibility criteria.
Evidence shows that disadvantaged pupils with high attainment are especially at risk of under-achievement.
