The Pupil Premium was introduced in April 2011. In 2012–13 schools were allocated a total of £1.25 billion funding for children from low-income families who were eligible for free school meals, looked after children, and those from families with parents in the Armed Forces.

Since April 2012 the Pupil Premium was extended to include children who had been eligible for free school meals at any point in the last six years (FSM 'Ever 6').

The level of the primary school Pupil Premium is currently £1,320 per pupil for pupils eligible for free school meals (FSM), and for pupils in care who have been continuously looked after for six months.