Free School Meals and Pupil Premium

What is Pupil Premium and who it helps?

Pupil Premium is additional government funding for children who are, or have been, eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), looked-after children, and children of service families.

The school also recognises other pupils who may be disadvantaged for a variety of reasons and uses targeted support to close gaps in attainment, attendance and wellbeing.

Recent changes: the national Free School Meals eligibility has been expanded. If you think your child may now be eligible, please check the Dorset County Council / school guidance and apply — this can unlock extra support for your child and extra funding for the school.

Important information regarding FSM categories:

• Targeted FSM – the school receive additional funding via the Pupil Premium fund and students/families are able to access Free School Meals (daily allowance) and additional support for things like uniform, educational supplies and curriculum trips.
• Expanded FSM – the school do not receive Pupil Premium funding for this and therefore students are only provided with Free School Meals (daily allowance), meaning there is no additional financial support for the additional things mentioned above.

How we use Pupil Premium funding

We plan and evaluate spending to maximise impact on pupils’ achievement, personal development and wellbeing. Examples of how we use funds include:

• Targeted academic support: small-group tuition, subject-specific interventions, and one-to-one mentoring to boost progress.
• Curriculum access: financial help for trips, practical resources, revision materials and equipment so every pupil can fully participate in learning.
• Pastoral and wellbeing support: additional counselling, mentoring and attendance support to remove barriers to learning.
• Enrichment and leadership opportunities: music, sport, drama and leadership programmes to broaden horizons and build confidence.
• SEND collaboration: close working between our SEND team and class teachers to ensure personalised provision where pupils have both SEND and are eligible for Pupil Premium.

These approaches align with our vision by supporting the whole child — academically, socially and spiritually — so pupils can flourish as part of our Gryphon community.

How families can access support

If you think your child may be eligible for Free School Meals under the expanded scheme, please apply via Dorset County Council (or contact the school office for guidance).

To apply use this link:  https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/education-and-training/schools-and-learning/at-school/free-school-meals

Eligibility may provide:

• Free school meals
• Additional school-based support funded through Pupil Premium

Contacts and next steps

For eligibility queries and FSM applications: contact the school office or Dorset Council.  For information about how Pupil Premium is spent, or see our Pupil Premium strategy and impact report use the links below.  For SEND-specific discussions: contact our SENDCO.

Pupil Premium Strategy 2025/2026Download

Pupil Premium Strategy Statement 2024/2025Download