Pupil Premium and Catch-Up Strategy

Pupil Premium Report and Action Plan 2024-2025 

 Our aim is to raise the ambition, attainment, self-esteem, and resourcefulness of DA/PP students so that they achieve excellent outcomes comparable with their peers and make a successful transition to the next phase of learning. 

 Key priorities:  

• To have high expectations of each individual learner whether Disadvantaged or non-Disadvantaged. 

• To raise the achievement of Disadvantaged students. 

• To continue to aim to meet or exceed National figures for % achieving English and Maths and P8 averages and to close the gap between Disadvantaged students and their non-Disadvantaged peers (attainment and progress), working towards a smaller gap at WBHS than national across all GCSE measures. 

• To increase the self‐esteem, confidence and ambition of Disadvantaged students by enhancing their culture capital, ensuring they have access to a wide range of opportunities including trips, curriculum Raising Achievement events and SMSC experiences (spiritual, moral, social, cultural). 

• To work effectively and closely in partnership with the parents of Disadvantaged students. 

• To continue to improve the effectiveness of transition work with the 4 feeder Middle Schools in relation to Disadvantaged students including a tailored transition plan. 

• To maintain a record of no NEETS by continuing to provide high quality Post 16 guidance, advice and support from members of the LT. 

• To improve attendance rates of Disadvantaged students through individual or group initiatives. 

 Pupil Premium Funding Allocation:  

 Pupil Premium Numbers: 

 Who is eligible: 

Disadvantaged Students:  

• Any child who used to be eligible for free school meals – FSM Ever 6 

• Any child current eligible for free school meals – FSM 

• Looked after children (foster care) - LAC/CIC 

• Previously looked after children (adopted children) - PLAC 

 Service Children: 

• Parents in the armed forces - SPP 

 We will be building on the 2024-25 initiatives and filling any gaps in learning in the following ways: 

 Year 8 – transition activities: 

• Transition project with Middle Schools to ensure no ‘dip’ in performance Years 8 to 9. Liaison with Middle School PP leaders to discuss students joining in Year 9. 

 Year 9: 

• Attendance monitoring and reward scheme for those with under 90% attendance across all year groups. 

• Careers and options guidance with dedicated members of staff. 

• Year 9 raising achievement initiatives - cross curricular projects – Autumn term 

• Targeted cross curricular project – summer term.  

 Year 10: 

• Purchase a set of subject Revision Guides, where needed, for Year 10 students to aid with revision as well as any essential equipment and additional subject specific learning tools 

• ‘Out of your comfort zone’ trips- to build confidence, team working and self-belief for students in Year 10. 

• Arrange Connections career appointments for Year 10 students in the summer term 

• Aspirational progression pathways, connexions interview - visits to employers, local colleges, and universities. 

• Targeted raising achievement and attendance groups following triage.  

 Year 11: 

• Continue to allocate each Year 11 PP student a key worker/mentor to support learning and help in preparations for GCSE. 

• ‘Out of your comfort zone’ trips- to build confidence, team working and self-belief for students in Year 11. 

• Small group additional tuition in Maths and English for Year 11 students not making expected progress - starting in the autumn term. 

• Sixth Form mentoring across a range of subject for Year 11 students not making expected progress. 

• Pre St James’ Park visit to ensure all students make the most of this opportunity 

• Year 11 Learning Conference at St James’ Park with a motivational speaker and job interview – pre SJP visit for specific target groups. 

• Create additional assessment opportunities where funding may be a barrier i.e. GCSE PE climbing. 

• A 'Power Up’ event in Term 1 with employers and educational providers' fair. 

 All years: 

• Regular training for all staff and trainees on the Pupil Premium and supporting students. 

• Whole school, departmental and individual Raising Achievement initiatives and trips 

• Targeted revision/catch up workshops and clubs. 

• Funded music lessons and financial support for educational activities such as sports day or theatre visits where appropriate. 

• More frequent monitoring and contact with parents regarding progress and students’ attendance at support sessions. 

• Nutritional support where needed.  

• Access to uniform and PE kit.  

• Bespoke intervention for groups and/or individuals where needed. 

 Previously looked after children & children in care: 

• All students are allocated with a specialist non-teaching keyworker who supports teaching and learning, and their social emotional and mental health.