Service Pupil Premium Explained

The Service Pupil Premium is extra funding paid to schools for children of service personnel. It's £360 per eligible pupil in the 2026 financial year.

The important thing to understand is where the money goes: to the school, not to you. There's no payment to claim and nothing lands in your account.

Schools use it mainly for pastoral support, to help with the things that come with service life — moving schools, and a parent being deployed. Some also put it towards academic support or activities.

It covers state schools, academies and free schools in England, from reception to Year 11. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run their own arrangements.

Who is eligible?

Children with a parent in the regular armed forces, including a parent on full commitment Full Time Reserve Service, or in another nation's armed forces stationed in England.

It continues after you leave. A child stays eligible if they were recorded as a service child on any school census in the past six years, which is the part most people don't realise.

Children whose parent died in service also qualify, where the child receives a pension under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or the War Pension Scheme.

The practical step is telling the school. It's recorded through the school census, so if nobody there knows about your service, the funding doesn't follow your child.

What benefits does this provide?

  • £360 per eligible pupil: The 2026 financial year rate, paid to the school rather than to you. There is no payment to claim and no money that reaches your bank account.
  • England only, reception to Year 11: State schools, academies and free schools in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run their own arrangements.
  • Six years after service ends: A child keeps eligibility if they were recorded as a service child on any school census in the past 6 years — so it continues after you leave.
  • Bereaved children qualify: A child whose parent died in service and who receives a pension under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or War Pension Scheme is eligible.
  • Emotional and Social Support: The funding can be used to offer pastoral care, counselling, and other support services to help children cope with the unique challenges of military life, such as parental deployment.
  • Academic Assistance: Schools may use SPP to provide additional educational resources, tutoring, or extracurricular activities to enhance learning opportunities for service children.
  • Moving schools: Schools can use it to help a child settle after a posting, and to keep their learning on track through the change.
  • Community Building: The funding can be used to organise events and activities that foster a sense of community among service children and their families, promoting a supportive school environment.
  • Staff Training: Schools can invest in training for staff to better understand and address the specific needs of service children.

How do I apply?

  • Check Eligibility: Ensure your child qualifies for the Service Pupil Premium (SPP). Eligibility includes children with a parent serving in the regular armed forces, children of reservists, or those who have had a parent die in service.
  • Gather Necessary Information: Collect details such as your child's school information and your service details.
  • Contact the School: Reach out to your child's school to inform them of your eligibility for SPP. Schools are responsible for applying for the funding.
  • Provide Documentation: Submit any required documentation to the school, such as proof of service or a letter from your commanding officer.
  • School Application: The school will include your child in their annual school census, which is used to apply for SPP funding.
  • Follow Up: Confirm with the school that your child has been included in the application to ensure the funding is received.

Common questions

How much is the Service Pupil Premium?

£360 per eligible pupil in the 2026 financial year. It is paid to the school rather than to you, and is used mainly for pastoral support.

Who is eligible for the Service Pupil Premium?

Children with a parent in the regular armed forces, children recorded as a service child on any school census in the past 6 years, and children whose parent died in service and who receive an AFCS or War Pension Scheme pension.

Does the Service Pupil Premium continue after you leave the forces?

Yes, for a time. A child stays eligible if they were recorded as a service child on any school census in the past 6 years.

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Last reviewed 26 August 2026 by Brittany Belt, Co-founder and COO