This week in Parliament, Laura Sandys MP raised how important the pupil premium is to Thanet’s schools. Laura explained to Parliament how Newington Primary School has really benefited from the additional funding provided by the pupil premium, helping the great Head teacher there achieve a 41% increase in the combined English and Maths scores. Furthermore, every other measure of attainment has risen at an equal or improved rate. It has also, among other things, given Newington Primary School the freedom to put on one to one tuition for children that are vulnerable to underachievement and put on a Breakfast Club for over 60 children every day.
Speaking after her question to Rt Hon David Laws, she said “I was so pleased that the minister recognised the great work by the school and was able to confirm that funding through the pupil premium in the future could be spent at the discretion of Head teachers, to help their students in the best way possible without interference from central government.”