Pupil Premium

National research shows that Pupil Premium learners can face additional challenges in school compared to their non-Pupil Premium peers. At New Mills School, we are committed to breaking down these barriers and ensuring that every student, regardless of background, achieves what they are truly capable of.

Supporting our Pupil Premium and SEND learners is a whole-school priority. We have established a dedicated working group made up of teachers, senior leaders, and our headteacher, who meet regularly to review progress and identify the most effective strategies to support these students both inside and outside the classroom.

We know that the most powerful way to improve outcomes for all learners—especially the most vulnerable—is through high-quality classroom teaching. By continually reflecting on our practice, seeking feedback, and striving for improvement, we aim to make sure that every lesson delivers the best possible experience for our students.

Ultimately, we believe that by raising the quality of teaching and learning across the school, all of our young people benefit.

Our Pupil Premium Strategy Statement can be viewed by clicking the link below:

Pupil Premium Strategy Statement for 2024–25

Pupil Premium Arrangements

The Pupil Premium is additional funding provided to schools with the aim of narrowing the educational progress and attainment gap between disadvantaged students and their peers. It is allocated to schools because they are best placed to identify and address the specific needs of their pupils. The funding supports students from Year 7 to Year 11 who may face barriers to learning due to economic or social disadvantage. Research, such as that from the Sutton Trust, highlights that the most effective use of this funding comes from high-quality teaching, targeted interventions, and early support within the classroom context. The overarching goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed academically and personally.

At New Mills School, our ethos is rooted in the belief that every student should be inspired to achieve their personal best and should leave school prepared to thring in life. We are committed to using Pupil Premium funding in a strategic and impactful way to support students who may face challenges that hinder their educational journey. Guided by our core values — #think big, #do the right thing, and #team spirit — we strive to provide meaningful opportunities and tailored support that enable disadvantaged students to overcome barriers and reach their full potential. Whether through academic interventions, enrichment activities, or pastoral care, we ensure that every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to achieve their goals.

The Pupil Premium Statement below provides further information on the wide-ranging strategy New Mills School has developed to maximise the benefits of Pupil Premium funding on students' achievement and potential.

Pupil Premium information

The students eligible for pupil premium funding include:

• Every child currently registered as eligible for free school meals

• All children eligible for free school meals at any point in the past 6 years

• Children who have been looked after for six months or longer

The Funding Rates for the 2025 – 2026 financial year:

This table shows how the pupil premium grant is allocated to schools and local authorities in the 2025 to 2026 financial year, based on per pupil rates. 

For more information visit: Pupil premium: overview – GOV.UK

Are you getting the help you’re entitled to?

Whether your child is about to start school for the first time, or you want to check you’re not missing out on anything you might be entitled to, here’s what you need to know: 

Free School Meals

Most people have heard of free school meals, but do you know how to apply for them for your child?

Over one million children in England are registered as eligible to receive a free meal each school day, please check your eligibility through our Local authority, Derbyshire Council.

Free school meals and Pupil Premium funding - Derbyshire County Council

Applications for Free School Meals can be made via the link below:

To apply, you will be required to register via the weblink below and provide: 

• your National Insurance Number or National Asylum Support Service Reference Number 

• your family name 

• your date of birth 

• you may also be required to upload a copy of your benefit document 

Free school meals and Pupil Premium funding - Derbyshire County Council

Further information can be found on the website link below:

Free school meals and Pupil Premium funding - Derbyshire County Council 

Should you need support in your application please feel free to contact the school and we will try our best to help with your application.  

Entitlement

Your child may be able to get free school meals if you receive any of the following:

• Income Support

• Income-based Jobseeker's 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're not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)

• Working Tax Credit run-on: paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

• Universal Credit: if you apply on or after 1 April 2018, your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)