The Pupil Premium is funding given to schools so that they can support their “disadvantaged” pupils and close the attainment gap between them and their peers. The grant is based on the number of pupils who have been in receipt of free school meals at any stage in the last six years and the numbers of pupils in Local Authority care.
All children in Reception and Year 1 and 2 are automatically entitled to Free School Meals. Your Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 child may be entitled to Pupil Premium too, but they can benefit from this only if you have specifically registered their entitlement to Free School Meals. If you think your child may be entitled to benefit from Pupil Premium, please contact us to find out what steps you need to take. You can do this by sending an email to admin@pirton.herts.sch.uk or by phoning us on 01462 712370.
The school receives additional funding through the government’s pupil premium which is targeted at improving the achievement of pupils from less privileged backgrounds. The grant is based on the number of pupils in receipt of free school meals, (FSM), children who have had FSM in the last 6 year (Ever 6), pupils in local authority care, adopted or in guardianship orders with a friend or relative, and those whose parents are in the Armed Forces.
How much does the school receive and how does it spend it?
Pupil Premium funding is calculated based on the October census. The funding received in the financial year April 2025-April 2026 is based on the October 2024 census. At the time of the October 2024 census Pirton School had 28 children eligible for Pupil Premium.
The funding that will be received in the financial year April 2026-April 2027 will be based on the October 2025 census. At the time of the October 2025 census Pirton School had 21 children eligible for Pupil Premium.
As of Monday 13th April 2026, the start of the Summer Term, Pirton School has 19 children eligible for Pupil Premium.
The money contributes towards raising aspiration, attainment and achievement by developing quality first teaching and engagement in learning. We also use the funding to provide release time for a highly experienced teacher who oversees Pupil Premium provision in the school.
School leaders and governors with responsibility for administering the PPG have draw on the advice below from the Education Endowment Foundation when planning how to spend the funds they receive :
https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/guidance-for-teachers/using-pupil-premium
If you would like any additional information please contact the school to speak to Jenn Magdeburg, Headteacher or Allison Shaw, Pupil Premium Lead. Our link Pupil Premium Governor is Vanessa Cole.
