Sutton Trust and EEF respond to reports of a pupil premium funding shake-up

The Sutton Trust and the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) comment on reports that ministers are considering redistributing pupil premium funding away from high achievers in low income families.

Dr Lee Elliot Major, Chief Executive of the Sutton Trust, said:

“It’s important for social mobility that the pupil premium  continues to be paid for all disadvantaged pupils, without discrimination between and low and high attainers. Our research has shown that disadvantaged but bright pupils fall behind at school so it is important that schools are able to use their additional funding to provide stretching lessons for this group as well as helping low attainers to make good progress.”

Sir Kevan Collins, Chief Executive of the Education Endowment Foundation, said:

“We know that bright children from low income homes have much lower education outcomes than their better-off peer who enters secondary education at a similar level. The fact that a pupils’ chance of reaching their full potential is linked to their background shows us how important it is that all disadvantaged pupils, regardless of where they’re currently achieving, have the support and advice they need to thrive.“