Pupil Premium, Free School Meals and Expanded Free School Meals

What is Pupil Premium Funding?

Pupil Premium is additional government funding provided to schools to help improve outcomes for disadvantaged pupils and to support eligible children and families.

At Our Lady of Compassion Catholic Primary School, Pupil Premium funding is allocated for:

• Children eligible for Targeted Free School Meals (Targeted FSM).
• Children who have been eligible for Targeted FSM at any point within the previous six years (Ever 6 FSM).
• Children who have been looked after by a local authority, previously looked after, or adopted from care.
• Children subject to a special guardianship order, child arrangements order or residence order after being in care.
• Children from service families. 

Changes to Free School Meals from September 2026

From September 2026, all children from households receiving Universal Credit are entitled to receive a free school meal. As a result, there are now two categories of benefits-based Free School Meals:

Targeted FSM

• Available to children from households receiving Universal Credit with annual earnings of £7,400 or less (excluding benefits), as well as other qualifying groups.
• Provides free school meals.
• Attracts Pupil Premium funding.
• Counts towards Ever 6 FSM eligibility and other related support. 

Expanded FSM

• Available to children from households receiving Universal Credit who do not meet the Targeted FSM earnings threshold.
• Provides free school meals only.
• Does not attract Pupil Premium funding.
• Does not count towards Ever 6 FSM status. 

Why Register?

Even if your child already receives a free meal, it is important that families who qualify for Targeted FSM register their eligibility. This enables the school to receive valuable Pupil Premium funding, which helps us to provide additional academic support, pastoral care, enrichment opportunities, educational visits and resources for pupils. 

Universal Infant Free School Meals

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 continue to receive a free school meal through the Government's Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme, regardless of household income. However, families who may qualify for Targeted FSM should still register, as this may provide additional support for their child and additional funding for the school. 

How Can I Check if My Child is Eligible?

The application process is simple, quick and confidential. Families can check their eligibility through Solihull Council's Free School Meals service or contact the school office for support and advice.

If you think your family may be eligible for Targeted FSM, we strongly encourage you to apply. Registering helps ensure your child receives any support they are entitled to and enables the school to access additional funding that benefits pupils across our school community. 

For further information or assistance with an application, please contact the school office. All enquiries will be treated in confidence.