This report provides an overview of the pupil premium and examines evidence as to whether it has improved results for disadvantaged pupils. It may be useful to policy makers and leaders of schools with a high proportion of disadvantaged pupils.
The pupil premium: next steps
Education policy
Social mobility / closing the gap
Social/welfare support
Supporting social mobility
UK policy
View all
Synopsis
This report takes stock of how the pupil premium has been used to support disadvantaged pupils. Looking at a range of evidence it makes several recommendations on how to improve the effectiveness of the premium.
It suggests that there should be continued support for the pupil premium, as there is evidence that it improves attainment for disadvantaged pupils. There is also support for continuing to pay the pupil premium on the basis of disadvantage, rather than prior attainment.
It recommends a strong commitment to the promotion of rigorous evidence in testing the continued effectiveness of the premium, particularly when tests involve randomised control trials. This commitment should be matched by a drive to improve teacher training and professional development, so that all school leaders and teachers understand how to use data and research effectively.