Hermitage is committed to ensuring all children fulfil their potential and reach for excellence.
We recognise that there are many factors which may hinder this process for some children, and we are determined to actively reduce the impact of these.

Our Pupil Premium Grant is used to support key children and families so that we can work to narrow any attainment gaps.

Eligibility for Pupil Premium

All children who currently qualify for free school meals based on their family circumstances are entitled to Pupil Premium. This applies if you receive any of the following benefits:

• Universal Credit (with a net earned income of £7,400 or less)

• Income Support

• Income-based Jobseekers’ Allowance

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit

• Child Tax Credit (provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of £16,190 or less)

Children who are or have been in care, and children who have a parent who is or was in the armed forces, are also entitled to receive support through Pupil Premium funding.

In addition, pupils who have qualified for free school meals on the above grounds in the past but are no longer eligible will continue to attract the Pupil Premium Grant for six years.

All schools are responsible for recording which children are eligible in their annual school census; families do not need to take any action other than returning any relevant paperwork regarding benefits or free school meal entitlement.

Pupil Premium Funding Rates 2025–2026

For the academic year 2025–2026, primary schools receive the following Pupil Premium allocations:

• £1,545 per pupil, per year
  Children in Reception to Year 6 who are currently entitled to benefits-based free school meals (FSM).

• £1,545 per pupil, per year
  Children in Reception to Year 6 who have previously been eligible for FSM at any point in the last six years (Ever 6).

• £2,755 per pupil, per year
  Children who are currently looked after by the local authority (CLA).

• £2,755 per pupil, per year
  Children who were previously in care, including those who have been adopted or are under a Special Guardianship Order, Child Arrangements Order, or Residence Order.

• £365 per pupil, per year
  Children recorded as being from service families.

Please take a moment to look at our Pupil Premium Strategy below.

If you have any questions or would like support with checking eligibility, Mrs Harling is always happy to help.