Following a government initiative launched in April 2011, the school is eligible for funding called Pupil Premium, in addition to the main school budget.  Pupil Premium funding is available for every child who is registered for Free School Meals or who has qualified for Free School Meals at any point in the previous six years, those who have been in continuous care for six months or more, and children of service personnel.  For this academic year, the Pupil Premium funding is £1320 for each eligible child, but the school does not receive this money automatically; parents must apply.  

The government sees these children as a priority.  In many schools, their level of progress and attainment is lower than other children of the same age, and additional funding for their education helps to narrow the gap.  Headteachers and school governors decide how Pupil Premium money is spent. The achievement and attainment of these pupils is regularly assessed in comparison with pupils who are not Pupil Premium, and the school is held accountable for the attainment of Pupil Premium pupils by the Ofsted Inspectors.

At Spa Academy, our aim is to ensure that our teaching and learning meets the needs of all our pupils, helping all pupils achieve their individual potential. The Pupil Premium funding helps us to ensure that we provide extra provision for our pupils who fall into this group, to assess and address their individual needs.