Pupil Premium is additional funding for publicly funded schools in England to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils and close the gap between them and their peers.

“It is for schools to decide how the Pupil Premium, allocated to schools per FSM pupil, is spent, since they are best placed to assess what additional provision should be made for the individual pupils within their responsibility.” Source – DfE Website.

At The Ilfracombe Academy, we strive to break down barriers and create opportunities to allow students to reach their full potential and live life in all its fullness. Pupil Premium funding is allocated to every school based on numbers of students known to be eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), students who have been registered for FSM at any point within the last six years (Ever 6), students who are looked after in care, and children of service personnel.

Applying for Free School Meals

If you feel you could be eligible for Free School Meals, it is very simple to apply and takes only moments to do. Simply telephone Devon County Council on 0345 155 1019 and give your National Insurance number and your child’s date of birth. You will be told immediately if you are eligible and the next steps in the process.

Alternatively, please use this link to apply for Free School Meals. Citizen Portal - Sign in (devon.gov.uk)

This is the quickest and easiest way to apply and will result in you getting an instant decision.

Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:

• Income Support

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit

• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)

• Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)

• Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

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