The requirement for schools to be accountable in effectively implementing the Pupil Premium has been further highlighted following the announcement of the winners of the DfE/TES Pupil Premium Awards.
The winners received £10,000 to recognise that they have used the Pupil Premium in the best way to aid disadvantaged pupils and to narrow the attainment gap between them and their peers.
Judges considered the expectations of pupils, schools' focus on individual pupil needs and commitment to perfecting best practice.
The TES said the Awards shone a light on the fantastic work schools are doing to close the attainment gap, which should inspire other schools to effectively use the Pupil Premium: £900 in additional funding given to schools to support disadvantaged pupils.
Even if the winning schools and their methods are effectively promoted as beacons to other schools in their region, it still does not negate that the Pupil Premium is widely viewed as a ‘damp squib’ and not the best way to help disadvantaged pupils.