Pupil premium funding is allocated to schools to support groups of children who are vulnerable to possible underachievement. These include pupils who are entitled to free school meals; children who are looked after; and children of armed service personnel. The intended effect of this funding is to accelerate progress and raise attainment.

In most cases, pupil premium funding is allocated to schools is clearly identifiable. It is for schools to decide how the funding is spent, since they are best placed to assess what additional provision should be made for the individual pupils.

All schools are required to report on the amount of funding received, how this is being used and the impact.