From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year (September 2026), the UK government is introducing major national changes to the Free School Meals (FSM) system. Because Pupil Premium funding is directly tied to FSM eligibility, these changes will significantly impact how Hertfordshire schools operate and receive funding. 

The Department for Education (DfE) is expanding FSM eligibility to all households receiving Universal Credit. To manage this, they are splitting FSM into two distinct categories: 

1. Targeted FSM (Attracts Pupil Premium funding)

• Eligibility: Households on Universal Credit with net annual earnings at or below £7,400. Funding Impact: Only pupils in this category will attract Pupil Premium funding.  

2. Expanded FSM (Meals Only – No Pupil Premium funding)

• Eligibility: Households on Universal Credit with net annual earnings above £7,400.

• Funding Impact: Pupils in this group will not attract Pupil Premium or deprivation funding for their school.

Funding paid to schools:

School leaders can decide how best to spend their pupil premium; evidence suggests that pupil premium spending is most effective when used across 3 areas:

1. high-quality teaching, such as staff professional development
2. targeted academic support, such as tutoring
3. wider strategies to address non-academic barriers to success in schools, such as attendance, behaviour, and social and emotional support

Pupil premium is not a personal budget for individual pupils, and schools are not required to spend all of their allocated grant on eligible pupils.

How do you register your child for Pupil Premium Grant?

• If you meet the criteria listed above and would like your child to benefit from the additional resources supplied for Pupil Premium children, you can apply here
• Information about early years pupil premium can be found here: Early Years Pupil Premium (PDF). More information about pupil premium: effective use and accountability can be found on the www.gov.uk website.

If you would like any further information, please contact Mrs Gillam via the school office.