Pupil Premium

On this page you will find details of our Pupil Premium Strategy. The strategy aims to help students to overcome the barriers to education achievement we have identified.

The effectiveness of this strategy will be continually evaluated, and a report of the effectiveness of the previous year’s spending will also be published here each year.

What is the Pupil Premium?

The pupil premium is additional funding for schools in England. It is designed to help disadvantaged pupils of all abilities perform better and to close the gap between them and their peers. It is allocated to:

Students who currently receive the Free School Meal allowance (FSM)
Students who have received the FSM allowance in the last six years
Students whose parents currently serve in the military
Students who are currently in Local Authority Care

Our Intent

At Rushey Mead, one of our guiding principles is a commitment to social justice, social mobility, and the development of the whole child. Our intention is that every student, regardless of prior attainment, need, or background, has access to high-quality provision and achieves highly, both academically and beyond the classroom. We are determined to also ensure that disadvantaged students have opportunities to broaden their cultural capital through a variety of enrichment experiences.

Our Pupil Premium strategy is designed to address both common challenges and individual needs. Whilst we recognise that Pupil Premium is only a partial indicator of disadvantage, our approach combines whole-school initiatives that benefit all students with carefully targeted, personalised interventions. Alongside this, we pay close attention to the needs of vulnerable pupils, such as those with a social worker, young carers, and children in care—whether or not they are eligible for the funding.

We acknowledge that disadvantage is complex and multifaceted, so our response must be equally wide-ranging. We aim to support students’ academic, social, emotional, and organisational development. This involves a collective effort: teachers, tutors, mentors, pastoral staff, SENCOs, parents, and external agencies all play a vital role. Through high expectations, strong pastoral systems, and the commitment of our Pupil Premium Champions, we work to remove barriers so that disadvantaged students can thrive in all aspects of school life.

Our approach is rooted in the belief that an ambitious curriculum is an entitlement for every student. We do not dilute or reduce provision for disadvantaged learners; instead, we ensure all benefit from a strong curriculum design and the highest standards of teaching. Every member of staff understands their shared responsibility for disadvantaged pupils, and we are clear that quality-first teaching, through direct instruction, is the most effective way to close gaps.

We remain committed to ongoing reflection and improvement. By continually reviewing and refining our Pupil Premium strategy, we ensure disadvantaged students are supported effectively and are never further disadvantaged whilst in our care.

How much is the Pupil Premium worth?

Secondary schools receive £1,075 funding for each pupil registered as eligible for free school meals (FSM) at any point in the last 6 years.

Our students

At Rushey Mead, 24.4% of our students are considered disadvantaged and eligible for the Pupil Premium. Therefore, our funding for this academic year is £412,800.00

Support for families

At Rushey Mead Academy we strive to create the best opportunities and experiences for all. As part of our commitment to delivering the best possible educational and extra-curricular experience for our students, we use some of our funding to provide additional enrichment opportunities for Pupil Premium students such subsidising visits abroad to experience the culture and language of another country, visits to universities, work experience placements with local industries.

We also commit to supporting students who need help with purchasing equipment, activities, trips, travel or uniform.

To find out more, email [email protected] to find out what support might be available to you.

Strategies & Impact Statements

Catch up Premium Plan 2020 2021 Impact

Pupil Premium Plan 2020-2021

Pupil Premium Budget 2020-2021

RMA Pupil Premium Strategy 2021

RMA Pupil Premium Strategy 2022-2023

Pupil Premium Impact Statement 2022

RMA Pupil Premium Strategy 2023-2024

Pupil Premium Impact Statement 2023

Pupil Premium Impact Statement 2024