Pupil Premium: the extra funding English schools get for disadvantaged pupils

The Pupil Premium is extra money the government gives schools in England for disadvantaged pupils. It goes to the school, not to parents, and must be spent on helping those children keep up. Here is who it covers, how much it is worth, how schools must spend it, and why registering for free school meals matters even if your child already eats free.

Which children attract the funding?

Children who are, or recently were, eligible for free school meals, plus looked-after children and the children of service personnel. Three groups count:

• pupils eligible for free school meals now, or at any point in the last six years — the "Ever 6" rule;
• children who are looked after by the state, and children who were previously looked after and have since been adopted or returned to their family;
• service children — the children of armed forces personnel.

The six-year rule matters: even if a family's income later rises, the school keeps the money for that child for six years.

How much does a school get per child?

The rates for the 2026 to 2027 financial year are, per pupil per year:

• £1,550 for a primary-aged pupil eligible for free school meals;
• £1,100 for a secondary-aged pupil;
• £2,690 for a looked-after or previously looked-after child;
• £360 for a service child.

The full rates are published on the GOV.UK Pupil Premium page.

Why register for free school meals if my child already eats free?

Because universal infant free school meals and the Pupil Premium are two different things. Every child in reception, year 1 and year 2 gets a free lunch regardless of family income, so many parents never make a separate, benefits-based free-school-meals claim. But it is that claim that brings the school its Pupil Premium. If you receive a qualifying benefit — for example Universal Credit with a household income of £7,400 a year or less, the guaranteed element of Pension Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance — tell your local authority. As GOV.UK puts it, "Your child's school could get extra funding if you do."

How must schools spend it?

On things that genuinely help children learn. The Department for Education requires schools to spend the Pupil Premium on evidence-based approaches: high-quality teaching, targeted help for pupils who have fallen behind, and tackling non-academic barriers such as the cost of trips or breakfast. Each academic year a school must publish a strategy statement on its website setting out how it spent the money and what difference it made. Ofsted and the school's governors hold it to account.

What should parents do?

Apply for free school meals through your local authority's website — even if your child already eats free as an infant, and even if they are looked after or you are in the forces. You can check eligibility and find your council on the GOV.UK application page. One application can bring your child's school hundreds or thousands of pounds a year.