Spending the pupil premium

Be clear on how you must allocate pupil premium funds and how to use the DfE's 'menu of approaches'. Read our FAQs on what you can and can't spend the pupil premium on and how it applies to looked-after children.

Last reviewed on 23 February 2024
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School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 4720
Contents
  1. Identify the challenges facing eligible pupils
  2. Find evidence to support your decisions
  3. Choose activities from the 'menu of approaches'
  4. Use the strategy statement template to make a plan
  5. Spending on looked-after children (LAC) is managed by the virtual school head
  6. MATS can pool their funding
  7. You don’t have to spend the entire amount in 1 financial year
  8. Can I spend the pupil premium on...

Identify the challenges facing eligible pupils

Before deciding how to spend your pupil premium, you need to know what's preventing your disadvantaged and vulnerable pupils from achieving their potential.

Use this diagnostic assessment resource (find it at the bottom of the page) developed by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) to work out where pupils might need more support.

You'll also want to speak to teachers, support staff, pupils and parents/carers to identify non-academic challenges that negatively impact your pupils' education.

Non-academic challenges might include:

  • Attendance and levels of persistent absence
  • Behaviour incidences and exclusions
  • Wellbeing, mental health and safeguarding concerns

This is explained on page 6 of the DfE's guidance for school leaders on using the pupil premium.

Find evidence to support your decisions

Looking at this research and talking to other school leaders and relevant staff members will help you identify which activities will