As with other publicly-funded schools in England, Biddick Academy receives extra funding from the government to help them improve the attainment of their disadvantaged pupils. Evidence shows that children from disadvantaged backgrounds generally face extra challenges in reaching their potential at school. Disadvantaged pupils often do not perform as well as their peers. Biddick Academy is committed to ensure that all students reach their true potential, irrespective of their social or economic background. The pupil premium grant is designed to allow schools to help disadvantaged pupils by improving their progress and the exam results they achieve. Biddick Academy intends to remove barriers to achievement through its Disadvantaged student strategy.
Impact of Pupil Premium Spending 2019/20
The attainment of disadvantaged students in 2019/20 has improved in key headline areas. For example, Attainment 8 has increased from 33.43 (2018/19) to 41.14 (2019/20), an increase of 7.71. There has been an increase in attainment between 2018/19 and 2019/20 in English (6.92 to 8.57), Maths (6.92 to 8.00), Ebacc subjects (8.90 to 11.00) and the ‘Open’ subjects (10.70 to 13.57).
The attainment of disadvantaged students (41.14) is above the 2019 national average (36.7) by 4.44, however it is important to remember that our 2019/20 data is from Centre Assessed Grades, meaning that the national average will also likely increase.
The percentage of disadvantaged students achieving Basics 4 – 9 has increased from 40% in 2018/19 to 45.45% in 2019/20, an increase of 5.45%. The percentage of disadvantaged students achieving Basics 5 – 9 has increased from 16.95% in 2018/19 to 27.27% in 2019/20, an increase of 10.32%.
The achievement and progress of disadvantaged students has also improved significantly. Without national progress data, it is impossible to produce reliable Progress 8 scores, however internal estimates indicate a 0.32 increase from 2018/19 to 2019/20 and an improvement in all key areas: English, Maths, EBacc and Open.
Moreover, it is with a sense of pride that all of our disadvantaged students in 2019/20 have transitioned onto progression pathways, meaning that 100% of those students eligible for Pupil Premium funding are in education, employment or training. This is a result of high quality impartial Careers Advice, Information and Guidance which is provided to all students to ensure they make aspirational and appropriate informed choices and a smooth transition to their individual progression pathways.
Due to ‘National lockdown’ (March 2020) because of Covid – 19, we cannot precisely measure the impact of Pupil Premium spending at Key Stage Three or in terms of attitudes to learning. However, we continue to be pleased with the behaviour profile of our disadvantaged students who have a good attitude to school life as demonstrated through internal tracking data.
Impact of Year 7 Catch Up Spending 2019/20
Biddick Academy received £16061 funding in 2019/20 to support students who entered Year 7 with below expected attainment in reading and/or mathematics. At Biddick Academy we use this funding to provide targeted short term literacy and numeracy intervention designed to accelerate progress in these area.
51 students were eligible in English and 32 in Maths. Students moved in or out of intervention groups as appropriate based on need and progress made over time. The majority of intervention took place during Form Tutor registration. This targeted support for small groups was led by subject specialist teachers with key areas of need identified via assessment, tracking and monitoring. One strategy was the implementation of Accelerated Reader and the use of termly Star Reading tests, this allowed analysis of reading progress and informed further intervention. Additional strategies included collaboration with primary colleagues to help support bespoke transition and mentoring support, inclusive of parental contact when required.
Due to the national lockdown in March 2020 because of Covid – 19, we cannot precisely measure the impact of Year 7 catch up funding. However, we are continuing to implement an intensive intervention programme, based on a ‘Map, Master, Move Forward’ strategy to ensure that students are not disadvantaged and remain an Academy priority.
Please click on the following links to access information on the Pupil Premium Funding Allocation to Biddick Academy
Pupil Premium Strategy Strategy Statement 2020-2021
Pupil Premium Strategy Statement 2019-2020
Pupil Premium Strategy Statement-2018-2019