What is Pupil Premium?
The pupil premium was introduced by the government in April 2011. It was designed to give additional money to support schools in raising the attainment of children. The premium is used to support students who are currently on Free School Meals (FSM) or have been registered for them in the past six years. Students in care, who have been looked after by local authorities for more than six months also continue to qualify for the Pupil Premium.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CLAIMING FREE SCHOOL MEALS
School meals are a good way to ensure that your child eats well at lunchtime, and they can also save you time and money.
Claiming free school meals also helps the school. We get extra funding, known as the ‘pupil premium’, for every eligible pupil who is registered.
HOW IS THE PUPIL PREMIUM FUNDING USED?
The Pupil Premium money could make a big difference to your child’s future; more support with key academic skills, clubs, mentoring, specialist training for staff, better resources, social and emotional support.
We ask that you help us to help your child by ensuring that you have checked to see if you are eligible for the premium money.
HOW CAN I ENSURE THE SCHOOL GETS THE FUNDING?
The more eligible pupils that are registered for free school meals, the more funding the school receives.
Registering does not mean your child has to take up free school meals if they don’t want to.
You should still register for free school meals even if you would rather your child had a different meal, such as a packed lunch
How to register for free school meals
If you are claiming free school meals for the first time
One of the main reasons cashless catering was installed at Ryburn was to remove any worries parents and students may have had about being identified by others as receiving free school meals.
Your child may be eligible for Free School Meals if you receive any of the following support payments:
Universal Credit
Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
Support payments under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
If you are eligible for Free School Meals, the school will credit your child’s account each day for them to get a meal of their choice. This amount will not accumulate as it will be refreshed each school day. You will also be able to top up this account if your child wants to spend more than the allocated amount.
Changes for 2026-27
Please note that the application process changed in September 2026. Parents and carers must now submit a new Free School Meals application each academic year, even if their child has previously been eligible. There are now two types of free school meals funding:
From September 2026, children can get free school meals if:
They attend an eligible school
And their household gets Universal Credit
There are two types of free school meals based on benefits:
Targeted
This is the same as now.
It applies to pupils from households on Universal Credit with annual earnings of £7,400 or less. As well as free meals, these pupils will still bring pupil premium funding to their school.
Expanded
This is a new category.
It is for pupils whose households get Universal Credit, but earn more than £7,400 a year. These pupils will be entitled to free school meals only.
Note: You can get free school meals at 16-18 years old, if:
You are still at school;
And you get Universal Credit
IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED FREE SCHOOL MEALS AT A PREVIOUS SCHOOL
If you have previously qualified for Free School Meals, you will need to reapply for your child/children to continue receiving them once they start at Ryburn. You need to renew your claim by calling Calderdale Council Revenue and Benefit Service on 01422 288003 and informing them that your child will be attending Ryburn Valley High School; your child will not be entitled to receive a free school meal until your claim is awarded.