Pupil Premium
The Pupil Premium is funding in addition to the school's budget. It was introduced in 2011 and is based on the number of pupils currently/previously entited to Free School Meals and Looked After from/in Care. Schools are are free to decide how to allocate this funding to best support the raising of attainment for the most vulnerable pupils.
Here at Kirkham and Wesham we are committed to ensuring that this funding is used to minimise barriers to learning and address any underlying inequalities for eligible pupils by ensuring that funding reaches the pupils who need it most.
Our commitment in this area was recognised by the Department for Education who wrote to our school in February 2016 stating that....we were one of the most improved schools in the country in terms of attainment and progress of disadvantaged pupils since 2011.
We continue to ensure that we analyse barriers to learning, analyse attainment and progress and put in appropriate strategies for all our disadvantaged pupils.
School Overview
School name: Kirkham and Wesham Primary School
Academic year: 2025–2026
Pupil premium allocation this academic year: £83,990
Date this statement was published: December 2025
Date on which it will be reviewed: December 2026
Statement of Intent
At Kirkham and Wesham Primary School we aim to ensure that all pupils, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to a high-quality education and the opportunities needed to succeed.
Our pupil premium strategy focuses on removing barriers to learning, supporting pupils’ wellbeing and ensuring that disadvantaged pupils achieve strong academic outcomes.
We aim to:
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raise attainment and progress for disadvantaged pupils
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provide targeted academic support where needed
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ensure pupils have access to wider opportunities and enrichment activities
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support pupils’ wellbeing and readiness to learn
Challenges
This details the key challenges to achievement that we have identified among our disadvantaged pupils.
Key challenges include:
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gaps in phonics and early reading skills
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reduced access to wider experiences and enrichment opportunities
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barriers to learning linked to wellbeing and family circumstances
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the need for additional academic support in core subjects
Intended Outcomes
Our intended outcomes are that:
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disadvantaged pupils make strong progress in reading, writing and mathematics
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pupils receive the pastoral and wellbeing support needed to engage fully in learning
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pupils have access to enrichment opportunities that support personal development
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early reading and phonics outcomes continue to improve
Activity in This Academic Year
Teaching
High-quality teaching is the most important factor in improving outcomes for disadvantaged pupils. Staff are supported through professional development and access to effective teaching resources.
Activities include:
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implementation of the FFT Phonics programme to support early reading
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staff training and support to ensure high-quality teaching across the curriculum
Cost: £921
Targeted Academic Support
Targeted support is provided to ensure pupils who need additional help can make progress.
Activities include:
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additional teaching assistant support to deliver small group interventions and targeted learning support
Cost:
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Additional TA support: £20,507
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Additional TA support: £15,519
Wider Strategies
These strategies focus on removing barriers to learning and supporting pupils’ wellbeing and engagement with school.
Activities include:
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Learning mentor support to work with children and families
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financial support for school trips and enrichment activities to ensure all pupils can participate
Cost:
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Learning mentor: £33,922
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Trips and enrichment opportunities: £13,121
Total Pupil Premium Spend
Total pupil premium allocation: £83,990
Review of Outcomes in the Previous Academic Year
Our previous pupil premium strategy focused on improving early reading, providing targeted academic support and supporting pupils’ wellbeing.
Impact included:
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improved confidence and engagement in learning among disadvantaged pupils
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targeted interventions helping pupils make progress in reading and phonics
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increased participation in school trips and enrichment activities
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improved support for families through mentoring and pastoral care
These outcomes will continue to inform the school’s strategy moving forward.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The impact of pupil premium spending will be monitored through:
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pupil progress data and attainment outcomes
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phonics and reading assessments
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attendance and engagement data
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feedback from staff, pupils and families
This information will be reviewed regularly to ensure that funding continues to support disadvantaged pupils effectively.