School Pupil Premium Statement

The Government believes that pupil premium is the best way to address inequalities between pupils in specific groups. It is therefore used to tackle disadvantage in order to reach the pupils who need it most. 

This statement details our school’s use of pupil premium funding to help improve the attainment of our disadvantaged pupils.  It outlines our pupil premium strategy, how we intend to spend the funding in this academic year and the effect that last year’s spending of pupil premium had on our school.  

At St Mary’s, we believe that with quality first teaching, effective engagement with parents, and a personalised approach to meeting individual needs, every child can achieve their potential. Our definition of potential includes the broader aspects of education that take place both inside and outside of school, as well as the importance of developing children’s social and emotional skills, including their ability to communicate in different ways for different purposes.

Our key objective is that all children leave school with the confidence, ambition, and skills to become effective learners in their future education. Our curriculum is varied and rich, contributing effectively to pupils’ outcomes by keeping them engaged and helping them achieve well. Knowledge of the local context underpins our curriculum decisions, creating a bespoke approach tailored to our community.

Key interventions are implemented at a whole-school level and are not restricted solely to pupils eligible for pupil premium funding. However, some specific interventions and initiatives have been made possible through the allocation of pupil premium funding. We aim to use our knowledge of our pupil premium children and work collaboratively with pupils and families to target their individual needs, with the goal that they achieve as well as their peers.

All teaching staff at St Mary's are committed to ensuring that disadvantaged pupils, including those capable of achieving greater depth, receive high quality teaching. Additionally, disadvantaged children who have fallen behind receive targeted intervention and daily support.

Funding is allocated in the school budget for the financial year. This budget allows us to plan intervention and support programmes annually, based on the needs of the current cohort. When making decisions about allocating pupil premium funding, we analyse data and draw on research such as that from the Education Endowment Foundation. Expenditure is reviewed and planned for the academic year, as outlined in this plan.

Pupil Premium Leaders:

Mrs R Kendrew-Jones - Headteacher

Mrs J Hosker - Governor