Support for Disadvantaged students - Pupil Premium

Free School Meals – Important Information

From January 2026, Gloucestershire County Council will automatically give Free School Meals to children who are eligible. You do not need to apply.

This helps make sure children do not miss out on meals they are entitled to.

Even if you do not want your child to have the free meals, it is best not to opt out. When your child is registered, the school receives extra funding (Pupil Premium). This funding helps the school give more support and opportunities to your child.

Your child does not have to take the free meal for the school to receive this support.

New for 2026

Start the day with some toast!

Students on free school meals will now be able to claim 2 free pieces of toast at breakfast (8.15 to 8.35) each morning in the canteen.

This will not be take from the FSM allowance. The FSM allowance is best claimed for the main meal but students can spend their allowance at break and lunch. Parents can see what has been bought using the Edulink App.

At Archway School, we use our Pupil Premium funding to make sure every child has the support, opportunities and high-quality teaching they need to succeed. This funding is provided by the government to help reduce barriers to learning for students who may face additional challenges. We invest it carefully in approaches that benefit all students, but with the greatest impact for those who need extra help. This includes ensuring teaching is ambitious and inclusive, providing targeted academic support when learning gaps appear, and offering wider help such as counselling, careers guidance, literacy programmes, and access to technology. Everything we fund is chosen because evidence shows it makes a real difference.

We want parents and carers to feel confident that this money is used thoughtfully and with students’ wellbeing and progress at the centre. Our aim is not to single out or label children, but to create a school where every student feels they belong, is known well by staff, and has the same chance to thrive. We regularly review the impact of our work and continue to adapt our support so that outcomes for disadvantaged students improve year on year. By working closely with families, we can ensure that the Pupil Premium helps remove barriers, raise aspirations and open doors for all.

The full Pupil Premium Statement in the link below gives more details on the strategy.

If you require further information regarding Pupil Premium please contact Mr Dominic Salmon, Deputy Headteacher.

Pupil Premium Strategy

Holiday free school meal vouchers

Gloucestershire County Council will provide eligible families in receipt of Free School Meals, who sign up for this offer, with support for the cost of food during the school holidays. More information is found here Holiday free school meal vouchers | Gloucestershire County Council.