Are you registered for this? 

If your child is eligible and you register them for free school meals, the Academy will receive extra funding called ‘pupil premium’. We use this extra money to improve the educational provision and resources at the school for your children. 

 What is pupil premium funding? 

The pupil premium grant is a government scheme covering all state-funded schools in England.  

 The pupil premium grant is additional funding given to the academy for those students who qualify, to improve the attainment of disadvantaged children and to support their learning and development. 

 Pupil premium funding from the government is given to schools to help pupils reach their full potential, regardless of their background or financial situation.  

 Your child might be eligible if you access: 

• Income Support 
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or 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 
• Universal Credit, provided you have an annual net earned income not exceeding £7,400 (£616.67 per month) 

At Sir Thomas Wharton Academy, we get an extra £1,035 for every eligible pupil who is registered for free school meals. This extra money could make a real difference to the quality of education we offer. 

For example, we’ve previously used pupil premium funding for:  

• Educational provision/resources. 
• Academic interventions. 
• Wellbeing and self-esteem building interventions. 
• Support alternative provision.  
• Funding educational visits. 
• Support transition for vulnerable learners. 
• The use of Teaching Assistants in lessons. 

Does my child have to eat the free school meals? 

No. Pupils who are registered for free school meals don’t have to eat them. If you’re eligible but you want your child to have packed lunches, you should still register because the school will receive the funding which can support your child in other ways.  

Can my child be identified as receiving free school meals? 

No, there is no way that a child can be identified within the Academy as receiving free school meals by students. The students themselves are not made aware- it is simply a registration process for parents to complete. 

How do I register? 

You only need to register once at the school.  

To register, please go to: 

Free school meals application - City of Doncaster Council 

www.doncaster.gov.uk/doitonline/free-school-meals  

More information 

For more information about pupil premium go to our website, which contains details of how the pupil premium has been spent in the past academic year and how it will be spent this year. 

If you have any questions or specific concerns, please contact Mr. B Woodhouse, Assistant Principal b.woodhouse@stwacademy.com