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<p>Through the pupil premium, which is worth more than £2.4 billion each year, schools
receive significant additional grant funding to support the children of low-income
families. The grant allocation is based on the number of eligible pupils attending
the school each January. Therefore, greater numbers of pupils claiming free school
meals (FSM) generate greater grant funding for the school.</p><p> </p><p>School leaders
are free to use the money in any way that they choose to benefit their pupils. This
may include providing financial support for uniform and equipment purchase, school
trips and activities. We understand how important it is for pupils to be ready to
learn and to participate in school activities. We know that many schools use the pupil
premium to help their pupils with these necessities.</p><p> </p><p>The department
publishes uniform guidance, which places great emphasis on schools giving the highest
priority to cost considerations. The high cost of a school uniform should not leave
pupils or their families feeling unable to apply to, or attend, a school of their
choice. Some English local authorities provide discretionary grants to help with buying
school uniforms, using their own eligibility criteria.</p><p> </p><p>We publish clear
rules about school charging parents for elements of their child’s education. This
states that schools cannot:</p><ul><li>charge registered pupils for education provided
as part of the school’s duties to provide the national curriculum</li><li>charge parents
for materials and equipment needed to take part in education during the school day,
unless the parent wishes to own the item.</li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p>Where a school
trip involves education for which the school cannot charge, the school must fully
remit the cost of any board and lodgings for pupils eligible for FSM.</p>
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