At Highfields Primary Academy, improving outcomes for vulnerable pupils, including those eligible for the Pupil Premium Grant, underpins strategic decision-making and resource allocation. With a higher-than-average proportion of pupils eligible for Free School Meals, the academy recognises the importance of targeted support to address barriers to learning and secure strong outcomes for all.

High expectations are held consistently across the school, creating a culture where all pupils are expected to achieve well. Alongside this, leaders place a strong emphasis on equity, ensuring provision is carefully tailored so that pupils who face disadvantage are supported to make progress in line with their peers. This includes timely interventions, high-quality teaching, and access to wider opportunities that enhance pupils’ personal development.

The academy is committed to providing enrichment and wider experiences that broaden pupils’ cultural capital and support their personal, social and emotional development. These opportunities, underpinned by the school’s values, ensure pupils are well prepared to make positive choices and succeed in the next stages of their education.

The Pupil Premium Grant is allocated to schools based on the number of pupils who are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), have been eligible at any point in the last six years (Ever 6 FSM), or have been looked after for more than six months.

At Highfields Primary Academy, leaders have the flexibility to allocate Pupil Premium funding in response to identified need. The use of funding is overseen by the Head of Academy, with a clear focus on improving outcomes and reducing gaps in attainment. The academy is fully accountable for the impact of this funding, and details of expenditure and impact are outlined in the Pupil Premium strategy statement below.