The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

Alex Masters

Evidencing impact: the million-dollar question

It’s the ‘million-dollar question’ that you hear across schools today: ‘What is the best way to evidence the impact of Pupil Premium Funding?’ I’ve been talking to a lot of educational professionals recently, and the same concerns arise: not only are people struggling to close the gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers, they are also worried about how they can successfully evidence this to Ofsted. The quote from Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills at the OECD, neatly sums up just how critical this challenge is: "Our data shows it doesn't matter if you go to a school in Britain, Finland or Japan, students from a privileged background tend to do well everywhere. What really distinguishes education systems is their capacity to deploy resources where they can make the most difference.” Is it any wonder people are feeling the pressure? At Optimus, we have put together 5 TOP TIPS to help you:

  1. Read a case study on how to evidence the impact of pupil premium funding on progress
  2. Learn how to show that the money is directly benefitting pupils
  3. Watch a short video from Sir John Dunford as he discusses pupil premium strategies
  4. Learn about how to work in partnership to develop best use of the pupil premium
  5. Watch this video on a headteacher’s  top tips on how to improve use of the pupil premium

Next week, a raft of school leaders and other educational professionals from across the country will meet in London to discuss this critical subject at our conference: ‘Pupil Premium: Evidence Impact and Drive Progress’.

Recognisable figures will include Sir John Dunford and Sean Bullen who will be sharing their top strategies. We’ll also be hearing from National Pupil Premium Award winning schools as they share the steps they took to achieve success. Don’t forget, there is also the chance to win £250,000 at this year’s Pupil Premium awards! So there may be an answer, or answers, to that million-dollar question after all. By Alex Masters

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