What is the Pupil Premium?
The Pupil Premium is additional funding to help schools close the attainment gap between children from low-income and other disadvantaged families and their peers. If a child has been eligible for free school meals (FSM) at any point over the past 6 years or has been looked after for one day or more (Child Looked After), the school receives an amount per head within their budget. A provision is also made for children who have a parent in the armed services.
Please find below the information which gives details of how we allocate the funding.
The Howard School ASCENT Programme
Supporting aspiration, equity and opportunity for every pupil
At The Howard School, we are committed to ensuring that every pupil has the support, opportunities and encouragement they need to thrive. The ASCENT Programme brings together a range of academic, pastoral and enriching experiences designed to strengthen engagement, raise aspiration and help every pupil feel a strong sense of belonging within our school community.
ASCENT is not a label. It is a lens through which we consider pupils’ needs, experiences and potential barriers, enabling us to offer support that is fair, responsive and equitable. This approach helps us identify where pupils may benefit from additional guidance or opportunity, while ensuring that all pupils remain fully included in the life of the school.
Strengthening Pupil Voice and Family Partnership
A key aim of ASCENT is to ensure that pupils who may face additional challenges have opportunities to be heard and supported effectively. The programme includes:
- individual conversations to understand each pupil’s experiences and aspirations
- kick-start meetings with parents and carers to agree priorities and build strong relationships
- guided tours of the school for families who may benefit from additional reassurance
- regular check-ins to ensure that pupils feel connected, valued and understood
This approach helps create a sense of belonging and partnership, ensuring that families feel included and that pupils are supported in a joined-up and thoughtful way.
Enriching Experiences and Broadened Horizons
ASCENT places great value on giving pupils access to experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom. Each year, the programme offers opportunities such as:
- visits to heritage, cultural and historical sites such as the Houses of Parliament and Kent Life
- trips that promote social development, teamwork and confidence
- theatre and cinema experiences to build cultural awareness
- activities designed to celebrate engagement and recognise positive participation
These enriching experiences help pupils develop confidence, curiosity and a broader understanding of the world, supporting personal growth and widening their horizons.
Workshops and Real-World Learning
The programme also provides a variety of workshops and themed days that connect learning to real life and inspire pupils to explore their future pathways. These have included:
- STEM workshops focussed on hands-on science and engineering
- leadership and teamwork sessions delivered by external organisations
- financial and mathematical activities exploring tax, budgeting and everyday problem solving
- immersive history or humanities workshops, such as World War One re-enactment sessions
These opportunities help pupils develop essential skills and appreciate the real-world relevance of their learning.
Academic Support and Personal Development
ASCENT contributes to pupils’ academic progress and wellbeing through:
- targeted literacy and reading support
- pastoral mentoring and regular check-ins
- small-group intervention where appropriate
- opportunities to participate fully in wider school enrichment
The programme is built on early identification, strong relationships and a commitment to equity. This ensures that pupils remain engaged, confident and able to make sustained progress.
A Programme with Purpose
ASCENT reflects our commitment to providing every pupil with:
- enriching experiences that widen horizons
- strong academic foundations
- equitable and carefully planned support
- opportunities that promote belonging, ambition and personal growth
Through a thoughtful combination of enrichment, guidance and high-quality educational experiences, the programme helps pupils engage fully with school life and supports them to thrive throughout their time at The Howard School.