Pupil Premium
At the heart of our Pupil Premium strategy is a commitment to cultivating a strong sense of belonging. This is our key strategic priority for all pupils, and most especially for our most vulnerable learners. We believe that when pupils feel known, valued and connected, they are far more likely to thrive both academically and personally. This commitment shapes not only our strategic planning, but also our daily interactions with pupils across the school.
Our work in this area has had a consistently positive impact. Pupils eligible for Pupil Premium report feeling supported, listened to and confident in accessing help when they need it. This culture of belonging supports improved engagement, stronger attendance and positive attitudes to learning, all of which underpin academic success.
A core element of our approach is really getting to know our pupils as individuals. We do this through the use of pupil passports, which provide pupils with a meaningful opportunity to share what they would like staff to understand about them – their strengths, interests, challenges and what helps them to succeed. Alongside this, the passports allow staff to identify any gaps in foundational knowledge that may be acting as barriers to learning. This shared understanding ensures that support is proactive, consistent and embedded in everyday classroom practice.
We are also proud of the positive impact of our mentoring programme. All vulnerable learners are given opportunities to access trusted adults who can support them academically, emotionally and socially. This support ranges from targeted small-group mentoring to 1:1 sessions at key points throughout the school year, such as during transition periods or times of increased challenge. Pupils value these relationships highly, and the programme plays a vital role in building resilience, self-esteem and aspiration.
In addition, we place strong emphasis on targeted involvement in extracurricular activities. We are committed to ensuring that Pupil Premium pupils can access a wide and inclusive range of enrichment opportunities, removing barriers wherever possible. These experiences are carefully planned to promote confidence, teamwork, creativity and aspiration, and to open up opportunities that pupils may not otherwise access.
Our approach to Pupil Premium reflects our commitment to developing the whole child. We are passionate about nurturing not only academic success, but also wellbeing, character and life-long skills. Through a culture of belonging, targeted support and rich opportunities, we ensure that every pupil is supported to achieve their full potential.
