The genesis for this book, and the strategy within it, is a longstanding commitment from Essex County Council to improve the life chances and life choices of disadvantaged pupils being educated in Essex. The purpose of the book is to set out a strategic, evidence-informed approach with pupils, families, teachers, leaders, system leaders and wider agencies which puts learners first. This approach is rooted in best practice. It centres on improving the day to day learning experiences of disadvantaged pupils, leading to better long term choice and opportunity. Unity Research School and Essex County Council hope it will support efforts to address the impact of socio-economic disadvantage on learning in schools and colleges nationally.

If we are to improve outcomes, one of the things we need to do is move away from the notion of 'labelling' children and their families. Rather, we need to focus on the needs of such pupils, never forgetting their greatest need is relentlessly high expectations and great teaching. As fragmentation of LAs continues, the need for authoritative, evidence-based guidance and signposting has grown. This book does not provide an exhaustive list of all the challenges that might arise, but it has a good go. Including chapters by Simon Knight; Loic Menzies; Bernard Trafford; Jarlath O'Brien; Mary Myatt; David Bartram; David Weston - and many others.

Fully updated with the 2015 policy updates from the Department for Education and published in partnership with the National Education Trust, this book provides essential information and advice to help schools make best use of the Pupil Premium grant and improve outcomes for disadvantaged learners. The author is a recognised national expert on the Pupil Premium. He has visited more than 200 schools and has spoken with over 1000 school leaders and here he shares examples of innovation and excellence in their use of the additional funding. Featuring a foreword by Sir John Dunford, DfE Pupil Premium Champion.