The pupil premium grant was first introduced in April 2011. Research shows that pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds underachieve compared to their non-disadvantaged peers. Publicly-funded schools in England receive extra funding from the government to help them improve the attainment of disadvantaged pupils and support them to reach their potential.

The pupil premium for 2025/26 will include pupils recorded in the January 2025 school census who are known to have been eligible for free school meals at any point in the last six years (known as ‘Ever 6 FSM’), as well as those first known to be eligible in January 2025. Schools also receive funding for children who are looked-after (LAC) or previously looked-after (PLAC). Children of service personnel also receive a premium. Premium rates for 2025/26 are as follows:

Context of our school

St Anne's RC Primary School is situated in an area of high deprivation. 39% of our children are entitled to the pupil premium grant to support them in achieving their individual goals and narrowing the gap between them and their peers,

As a result of this, our disadvantaged pupils may experience the following circumstances:

• low income households;
• poor or overcrowded housing;
• low levels of communication, language, literacy and numeracy;
• a lack of nursery provision leading to delayed social, emotional and academic development; 
• speaking English as an additional language due to them coming from homes where little or no English is spoken;
• restricted opportunities to enrich and extend learning outside of school.

Pupil Premium Strategy

At St Anne’s R.C. Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that all pupils, including those eligible for Pupil Premium funding, receive the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Pupil Premium funding enables us to provide targeted interventions, additional resources, and enrichment opportunities that help close the attainment gap and raise aspirations. Our approach is carefully planned and regularly reviewed to ensure that the funding is used effectively and makes a positive impact on the outcomes for disadvantaged pupils. We work closely with parents, carers, and staff to tailor support to individual needs, promoting high-quality teaching and learning for every child. Our Pupil Premium strategy is published annually on our website, demonstrating transparency and accountability to our school community. Please find the Pupil Premium Strategy at the bottom of this page.

Free School Meals

HELP YOUR CHILD AND OUR SCHOOL BY APPLYING FOR FREE SCHOOL MEALS

Did you know that even if your child is in Reception, Year 1, or Year 2 and already receives Universal Free School Meals, applying for free school meals could benefit our school and your child?

If your child is eligible for free school meals due to your household income, submitting an application means our school can receive additional funding through the Pupil Premium Grant. This extra funding helps us to provide valuable resources, support, and enrichment activities for all children, along with your child receiving additional subsidies.

Why Should You Apply?

• There’s no change to your child’s meals - they’ll continue to enjoy their free school lunch as usual.
• Our school will receive extra funding that directly benefits your child and the school.

Who Is Eligible?
Your child will get free school meals if you receive the following support payments:

• Income Support (IS)
• Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
• An income-related employment and support allowance
• The guarantee element of State Pension Credit (PCGC) support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income, as assessed by Inland Revenue that does not exceed £16,190

How to Apply

1. Visit the following link or click here: https://www.blackburn.gov.uk/schools-and-education/school-and-pupil-support/school-meals
2. Fill in the online form or support in doing this at the school office.
3. Submit your application - it’s quick, easy, and confidential.

We are happy to support your application should you request this. Please contact Miss Fitzpatrick or Miss O'Toole to discuss this on 01254 580462. We’re here to help!

Your application can make a big difference in supporting our school community, so please apply if you think you may be eligible.

Thank you for your support