Pupil premium

Our strategy at a glance

Pupil premium is extra money from the government for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. Almost every pupil at Bishopton qualifies for it, so it shapes how we plan the whole school, not just a handful of extra sessions.

  • Covers: 2026 to 2029, with an updated statement each year
  • Pupils eligible: 98% of pupils on roll when the statement was written (64 pupils)
  • Funding: £47,344 allocated for the year, with nothing carried forward
  • Next review: February 2027

Pupil premium lead: Kirsty Liggett
Signed off by: Sara Gummerson, Head of Centre
Governor lead: the chair of the local governing body
Office: 01642 566369

Pupil premium strategy statement, 2026 to 2029 (PDF)

What gets in the way

Most of our pupils have been permanently excluded or have had a badly disrupted education, and many have been through a lot outside school. The statement names four barriers:

  • Missing school, and losing the habit of learning
  • Gaps in reading, writing, maths and subject knowledge
  • Social, emotional and mental health needs that make it hard to settle and learn
  • The risk of leaving at 16 with nowhere to go

What we spend it on

  • Teaching. A stronger careers programme across key stages 3 and 4, following the Gatsby benchmarks, with work experience in key stage 4.
  • Targeted support. Literacy and numeracy intervention matched to what each pupil needs, a structured reading programme, and independent learning through Century.
  • Attendance and wellbeing. Individual attendance plans with regular follow-up and contact with families, and a therapeutic offer that helps pupils manage their emotions so they can get on with learning.

The approach draws on Education Endowment Foundation guidance on behaviour, literacy and using pupil premium well.

How we know it is working

  • Attendance for pupil premium pupils goes up, and persistent absence comes down
  • Fewer recorded behaviour incidents and fewer suspensions
  • At least 80% of pupils improve their reading age by six months or more over the year
  • Every pupil in year 11 has a confirmed place in education, employment or training before they leave

We check progress every term, and governors receive a report on the impact each term.