TL;DR
The government has announced funding for school enrichment activities. This guide covers what the scheme provides, which schools and pupils are eligible, and how to access support.
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The Department for Education operates a range of funding streams designed to support enrichment activities for pupils in state-funded schools in England. Enrichment activity funding is distinct from core curriculum spending and is intended to support participation in sports, arts, cultural, and wider educational experiences that would otherwise be inaccessible to pupils from lower-income households.
Pupil Premium
The primary mechanism through which enrichment is funded at school level is the Pupil Premium. Schools in England receive additional per-pupil funding for every child who is recorded as having been eligible for free school meals at any point in the past six years, children in local authority care, and children who have left care through adoption, special guardianship, or child arrangements orders. For 2025 to 2026, the primary Pupil Premium rate is 1,455 pounds per eligible pupil.
Schools have discretion over how Pupil Premium is spent, but are required to publish a Pupil Premium strategy statement explaining how funding is used and the impact it achieves. Enrichment activities such as school trips, music tuition, sports clubs, and cultural visits are recognised as legitimate uses.
PE and Sport Premium
All maintained primary schools and academies with primary-age pupils receive PE and Sport Premium funding. In 2025 to 2026, schools with 17 or more eligible pupils receive 19,100 pounds plus 10 pounds per pupil. Schools with 16 or fewer eligible pupils receive 1,000 pounds per pupil. This funding must be spent on improving the quality and breadth of PE and sport provision.
Arts and Culture
Arts Council England administers several programmes that support schools in accessing cultural enrichment, including the Let's Create strategy and the Cultural Education Challenge. Schools can apply directly or partner with local cultural organisations. Local authorities may operate their own enrichment grants funded through the DSG or local levy.
Free School Meals Eligibility
Free school meals are available to pupils whose parents receive Universal Credit with net earnings not exceeding 7,400 pounds per year, Income Support, Income-based JSA, Income-related ESA, Child Tax Credit without Working Tax Credit, or Working Tax Credit during a run-on period. Eligibility for free school meals is the key determinant for Pupil Premium funding.
How Schools Access Funding
Pupil Premium and Sport Premium are paid directly to schools by the Education and Skills Funding Agency as part of the school funding settlement. Schools do not need to apply. Arts Council and specific enrichment grants require separate applications. Parents seeking to understand how their school uses enrichment funding can request the Pupil Premium strategy statement, which schools are legally required to publish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pupil Premium rate for 2025 to 2026?
The primary Pupil Premium rate is 1,455 pounds per eligible pupil. Secondary schools receive 1,035 pounds. The Looked After Child rate is 2,570 pounds at all phases.
Do parents need to apply for enrichment funding?
No. Pupil Premium is paid automatically to schools based on census data. Parents should ensure their child is registered for free school meals if eligible, as this is the main trigger for Pupil Premium.
Can Pupil Premium be used for school trips?
Yes. Schools have broad discretion over Pupil Premium spending. School trips, music lessons, and cultural activities are all recognised uses, provided the school can demonstrate impact on attainment and wellbeing.
