Introduction

The 'Catch-Up' premium was formally launched in March 2013 as part of the government's commitment to providing additional funding to support Year 7 pupils who failed to reach level 4 in reading and/or maths during Key Stage 2.

Schools receive an additional premium of £500 for each 'Catch-Up' pupil. Schools are expected to use the extra funding to finance the delivery of initiatives aimed at accelerating progress and closing the identified gap. The funding is not ring-fenced, allowing schools to use the premium to finance literacy and numeracy schemes which reflect the needs of their students. 

The government has committed to continuing 'Catch-Up' funding for at least the duration of the current spending review.