St Mary's Church of England Primary School & Nursery

Pupil Premium

Pupil Premium is central government funding to assist pupils eligible for the Pupil Premium to achieve as well as other pupils. The following report details the level of funding for this school and how we are spending the allocation to support our pupils.

Free School Meals (FSM)

The Department for Education is expanding Free School Meals to all children whose households receive Universal Credit.

• Expanded Eligibility: All children from households receiving Universal Credit are now eligible for free school meals.
• End of Transitional Protections: The automatic protections that previously allowed families to keep their free school meals when their income increased have ended.

How this affects your child:

Depending on your household earnings, your eligibility will fall into one of two categories:

• Targeted FSM: If your household earns less than £7400 annually (excluding benefits), your child receives free school meals and the school receives extra "Pupil Premium" funding to support their education.
• Expanded FSM: If your household earns above £7400 annually but you receive Universal Credit, your child will receive free school meals only.

Note: All children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 will continue to automatically receive free school meals under the Universal Infant scheme.

How to apply via Trafford Council

We strongly encourage all families on Universal Credit to apply (including children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2). Trafford Council uses a secure online system that links to the national database to give you an instant decision. Use the link button below.

 Trafford Schools FSM Application

• Information Needed: You will need your National Insurance number (or National Asylum Support Service number) and your date of birth.
• For further guidance on eligibility criteria, please visit Trafford Council Free School Meals.
• If your application is successful, the council will notify us automatically, and will be effective from September 2026.. We ask that you apply as soon as possible, before the start of the academic year in September so that we can update records accordingly.
• If you do not have internet access or need assistance completing the online form, please contact the school office, and a member of our team will be happy to help you.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.