Pupil Premium
Our Vision for Pupil Premium
We have a clear vision for what all our pupils will achieve through high quality teaching, with an ethos that reinforces aspiration and attainment for all. We realise the importance of getting the basics right, like attendance and behaviour, knowing that these impact a child's progress. We have adopted a whole school approach to our use of the pupil premium that focuses on the full potential of every child.
The Pupil Premium Grant is used to support disadvantaged pupils by removing any barriers to learning, build confidence, foster resilience and maintain high aspirations so all our children can be the best they can be.
What is Pupil Premium and who is eligible?
The Pupil Premium is an allocation of additional funding provided to schools to support specific groups of children who are vulnerable to possible underachievement. These include pupils who are entitled to free school meals, those Looked After by the Local Authority, adopted children or those who have been in care. The intended effect of this funding is to accelerate progress, raise attainment and support the pupils in the participation of activities in the wider curriculum.
Children of Armed Services personnel also receive a Service Pupil Premium Grant.
As a school, we decide how the allocated Pupil Premium Grant should be spent. We assess each child and decide what additional provision should be made for these pupils. We are then required to report on the amount of funding received, how this is being allocated and the impact of any additional support or provision.
If you think your child may be eligible for Free School Meals, please do not hesitate to contact the school office and we will help you with your application (01635 40318) or you can register online. Please note that calls to the school office may be recorded.
More information on the Pupil Premium Grant can be found on the Government website.
Additional funding may also be available if your child is in Nursery and belongs to one of the groups outlined above, this is called the Early Years Pupil Premium.
A Message from Bridget Phillipson
Congratulations to you and your team on the excellent outcomes the disadvantaged pupils at Robert Sandilands Primary School and Nursery achieved at the end of the 2024/25 academic year. Your school’s performance places it among the very best nationally, and this is a significant achievement.
This success reflects the dedication of your staff and the hard work of your pupils. It shows what can be achieved when ambition and commitment come together. Thank you for everything you do to give children the best possible opportunities to succeed.
Your school’s achievements demonstrate what is possible, and I hope you will continue to share your experience and best practice with others. Even the strongest schools can go further. We encourage you to lead the way as a system leader - sharing effective practice, championing networks, supporting collaboration, and helping raise standards across the sector.
There are real opportunities available for you to support improvement for a wider group of pupils including through:
- engaging actively with your region’s RISE networks and partnering with nearby schools and trusts;
- contributing to regional roundtables and professional communities to spread the approaches that are working in your context; and
- sustaining excellence by continuing to focus on disadvantaged pupils
Please pass on my thanks and congratulations to your staff and pupils. I look forward to working with you as we strive together to raise standards for all.
Bridget Phillipson
Secretary of State for Education
The Chair to the School’s Governing Board, Ian Nichol, said “Governors are immensely proud of the School and the dedication and hard work of all the staff, under the leadership of Mrs Bucknell, which has enabled the School to attain great outcomes, not only for disadvantaged pupils but all those attending at the school. Our School is amongst the top performing schools in West Berkshire for the percentage of pupils meeting the expected standard at the end of Key Stage 2.”
