This is funding given to schools for students who are registered for free school meals. At present the school receives £985 per student and this extends to all students who may have been eligible for and were in receipt of free school meals in the last six years. In the academic year 2021-2022 the school would have received a total of £163,610. A sum like this can make a significant difference to the quality of provision a school is able to provide and subsequently contributes to the life chances of our students. Details of how we spend this money and support provided to students can be found on the school website: Pupil Premium Grant Statement.

It is extremely important that we do all that we can to ensure that eligible students access their entitlement. The first thing that families can do is make sure they access their entitlement from the Government by registering their child for free school meals. A common misconception is that you must be on benefits to claim. Children are entitled to receive free school meals if they or their parents receive any of the following benefits:

• Universal Credit, provided they have an annual net earned income not exceeding £7,400 (£616.67 per month)
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guarantee element of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit, provided they are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190, as assessed by HMRC
• Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

If you would like to submit an application for free school meals you can do so directly with Hertfordshire County Council by clicking here. More information, including other methods for applying for free school meals, is available on the school website.