The Pupil Premium is additional funding given to schools so that they can support their disadvantaged pupils and close the attainment gap between them and their peers. The documents here show how we spend this additional funding.

Currently, pupils in Years 1 and 2 as well as Reception children all receive free school meals, these are paid by government funding. This provision is called Universal Free School Meals or UFSM. 

In addition to this funding, parents in lower-income families can also apply for Targeted Free School Meals.  This means  that their children will continue to receive free school meals from Year 3 onwards. The school will also receive additional Pupil Premium funding for each child who is eligible for Targeted Free School Meals.  Pupil Premium funding can give children access to some discounted educational trips and events throughout their school years.  Pupil Premium funding also provides for additional staff to work with your child to support their learning, attendance and personal development.

For every child registered, Court Lane Infant and Junior School gets £1,350 this year. This additional funding allows us to provide an even better education for your child through the purchase of additional resources or staff to support learning.

 Are you eligible?

From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit will be entitled to receive a free school meal.

Going forward, there will be 2 categories of benefits-based free school meals:

• Targeted FSM for pupils who are in households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less.  These children will receive free school meals and pupil premium support.
• Expanded FSM, a new category covering pupils who do not qualify for targeted FSM, but who are in households receiving Universal Credit.  These children will receive free school meals but will not be eligible for pupil premium support.

How to apply

Registering is really quick and easy – you can apply online at https://portsmouth.cloud.servelec-synergy.com/SynergyWeb/ and get an immediate answer. If you are eligible, your child’s school will be notified within 5 working days. 

No one will know you have registered and it will not affect any other benefits you are claiming.

Alternatively if you would like either of the Court Lane Schools to check on your behalf, call into the school office.  Note we will need parent’s name, parent’s date of birth and parent’s national insurance number.

Your help and co-operation is greatly appreciated.