"Live a life of love, just as Jesus loved us" — Ephesians 5:2

At Witchampton C of E First School, we are committed to ensuring that all pupils achieve their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstance. Grounded in the biblical truth that "there is no favoritisim with God" (James 2:1) and that all are uniquely created and equal in God's eyes (Galatians 3:28), we treat every child with dignity, grace, and respect.

The Pupil Premium Grant enables our school family to support both disadvantaged children and young people—including those with special educational needs—to flourish and succeed. Lived out through our Christian values of Love, Courage, Inspiration, and Respect, our Pupil Premium funding is used strategically to close attainment gaps, remove barriers to learning, and provide targeted support so that every child can live life in all its fullness (John 10:10).

What is the Pupil Premium?

The Pupil Premium is an allocation of additional funding provided to schools to support specific groups of children who are vulnerable to possible underachievement. These include pupils who are entitled to free school meals, those 'looked after' by the Local Authority, and those now adopted, but formerly 'looked after'. Funding includes pupils who have been eligible for free school meals at any time within the last 6 years (Ever 6 FSM).

Nationally, statistics show that students in receipt of free school meals do less well than their peers in external assessments. The aim of this funding is to close that attainment gap and ensure equal opportunity for all.

All schools are required to publish details on their website regarding the funding received and how it is spent.

Eligibility for Pupil Premium & How to Apply

To read an explanation of the purpose behind Pupil Premium funding and how schools are funded, please visit the Government Pupil Premium Information.

How do I apply? You can apply online via the Dorset Council portal:

Dorset Council Pupil Premium Application

You will need your National Insurance Number to hand. You will find out straight away if you are eligible. If you need access to a computer or guidance through the process, we are very happy to provide assistance in school. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Pupil Premium Strategy Updates

Witchampton C of E First School currently has fewer than 5 pupils eligible for Pupil Premium Funding. In order to ensure that individual pupils are not identifiable, the school follows DfE guidance in not publishing a full Pupil Premium Strategy statement for the current academic year:

"In line with the conditions of grant, schools whose allocation for pupil premium is based on six or more eligible pupils must publish a strategy statement annually using the DfE template. Schools whose allocation is based on 5 eligible pupils or fewer are not required to publish a strategy statement."
— DfE 'Using Pupil Premium Guidance for School Leaders'

Parents, carers, or visitors with queries about how the school uses its Pupil Premium funding to support our pupils are welcome to contact us directly:

Email: office@witchamptonfirstschool.org