At Samuel Cody School, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. Pupil Premium funding helps us provide additional support, opportunities and resources for pupils who may face barriers to learning, ensuring they can achieve their full potential and be well prepared for adulthood.

What is Pupil Premium?

Pupil Premium is additional funding provided by the Government to improve outcomes for disadvantaged pupils. Schools receive funding for pupils who:

• Are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) or have been eligible within the last six years (FSM Ever 6)
• Are looked-after children
• Have previously been looked after by a local authority or other state care
• Are from Service families

The funding is used to help remove barriers to learning, raise achievement, improve wellbeing and ensure pupils can access the same opportunities as their peers.

Pupil Premium at Samuel Cody School

Around half of the pupils at Samuel Cody School are eligible for Pupil Premium funding. We recognise that many of our pupils experience complex and overlapping barriers, including:

• Communication and language difficulties
• Social, emotional and mental health needs
• Limited access to wider life experiences and enrichment opportunities
• Attendance and family-related challenges
• Difficulties developing independence and preparation for adulthood

Our strategy reflects the needs of pupils across all four provisions:

• Primary
• Secondary
• Cody Oaks (SEMH)
• Cody Coppice (Forest School)

We ensure that Pupil Premium funding is used strategically to provide high-quality teaching, targeted interventions and wider support that enables pupils to succeed both in school and beyond.

View our full Pupil Premium Strategy Statement 2026-2029 here. 

Free School Meals Changes

From September 2026, the Government expanded Free School Meal eligibility so that all children in households receiving Universal Credit are entitled to receive a free school meal. Previously, families receiving Universal Credit generally needed to earn less than £7,400 per year (after tax and excluding benefits) to qualify.

This change is expected to increase the number of pupils eligible for Free School Meals and may increase future Pupil Premium funding allocations to schools. We strongly encourage all eligible families to register for Free School Meals, as this helps ensure pupils receive all available support and funding.

Checking Eligibility

From September 2026, all children in households receiving Universal Credit are eligible for Free School Meals. Families who may not previously have qualified are encouraged to check their eligibility and submit an application.

If you are unsure whether your child qualifies, we recommend applying or contacting the school for advice. A quick application could help unlock valuable support for your child and additional funding for the school.

Applying for Free School Meals

If you receive Universal Credit, your child may now be entitled to Free School Meals.

Registering for Free School Meals is important because it can provide:

• A free school meal each day.
• Additional funding for the school through the Pupil Premium.
• Access to additional support, resources and opportunities that may be available to eligible pupils.

Even if your child prefers to bring a packed lunch, we strongly encourage eligible families to apply, as this helps the school secure additional funding to support learning, wellbeing and enrichment opportunities.

How to Apply

For pupils living in Hampshire, parents and carers can apply online through Hampshire County Council's Free School Meals service.

Applications can be made online at:

Hampshire County Council Free School Meals Application Service

https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/freeschoolmeals

Need Help Applying?

We understand that completing forms and accessing online services can sometimes be challenging. If you would like support with an application, please contact our school office who will be happy to help.

Further Information

If you would like further information about Pupil Premium, please contact:

Kieran Collins
Deputy Headteacher and Pupil Premium Lead

or contact the school office or Family Support Team who can help families access Free School Meals and other available support on 01252 514194.