Optimising Pupil Premium: Evidence-Based Strategies for Narrowing the Attainment Gap
Written by: Mark Leswell
9 min read
MARK LESWELL, RESEARCH LEAD, SWALE ACADEMIES TRUST, UK
In the evolving educational landscape, pupil premium (PP) remains a critical tool for reducing educational inequality. This article explores the multi-dimensional challenges and opportunities that PP presents, including the changing parameters of eligibility, the role of attendance and the importance of school leaders and teachers adopting evidence-based approaches for narrowing the attainment gap. School leaders, teachers and those committed to providing a more equitable future in education will find this article insightful.
The complex landscape of pupil Premium
Pupil premium, a financial grant allocated by the Department for Education in England, aims to bridge the educational attainment gap between disadvantaged students and their more affluent peers. For 2023–24, £2.9 billion has been allocated, providing £1,455 per primary student and £1,035 per secondary student (DfE, 2023).
However, this financial allocation add
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