​The school is highly committed to closing the achievement gap and of course the government rhetoric follows the clear aim of our founders, the Sisters of the Holy Cross, in which our Mission is to ‘joyfully share this life with others, especially those who are in anyway disadvantaged’.

The school understands the complexities of closing the achievement gap and the impact of economic deprivation on academic outcomes. We acknowledge that within the United Kingdom students who are eligible for free school meals have on average made significantly less progress than their peers. For further information see the Sutton Trust on social deprivation Teaching & Learning Toolkit. Holy Cross is fully aware that answers are not simple and we are focussed on building a secure and stable environment, which will compensate for economic deprivation.

To this end, progress is closely monitored, alongside vital teacher feedback and provision is made for one to one intervention to support individual students. We acknowledge that sustaining achievement is more complex ( Social Mobility report November 2016 ) and therefore our initial and essential aim is to ensure that we build productive relationships with each family. In addition, there is support for cultural opportunities, expanding aspirations and ensuring progress continues through holiday periods in order to ensure that no child is left behind.

Please click the link below to read the following document:

Please click the link below to read a letter from the Minister of State for Schools congratulating us on our efforts:

​Pupil premium funding

• Assistant Head –Progress of students in receipt of Free School Meals
• Senior teacher- Data tracking and progress
• Social inclusion manager
• Teacher responsible for Young carers
• Support for extra curricular trips
• Support for holiday activities and education
• Support for uniform
• Support for one to one intervention (academic and pastoral)

Clear expectations

1. Further improve their levels of attainment and progress
2. Close attainment gaps relative to peers
3. Monitor attendance
4. Full access to curriculum
5. Access to all extra curriculum provision including cultural and social activities
6. To raise aspirations further of these students

How will this be achieved?

• Close monitoring and assessing of all pupils needs by all staff to ensure the correct support is in place at all times.
• The Leadership team coordinates and monitors that all eligible pupils gain appropriate extra support in line with their needs.
• Improving teacher feedback as the most effective method of improving attainment
• Peer to peer tutoring.
• Additional English teacher
• Additional Maths teacher
• 1-1 teaching Yr7-13
• Exam revision classes and study skills workshops
• Support with food, clothing and equipment
• Support the wider curriculum and ensure access to all extra-curricular activities including Music.
• Further raise aspiration by visits to universities.

Finance

​The school was allocated £142,480 as a pupil premium grant for the fiscal year 2018/19.

The school was allocated £145,723 as a pupil premium grant for the fiscal year 2019/20.

The school was allocated £130,193 as a pupil premium grant for the fiscal year 2020/21.

The school was allocated £125,315 as a pupil premium grant for the fiscal year 2021/22.

The school was allocated £125,379 as a pupil premium grant for the fiscal year 2022/23.

Summary

	2018/19	2019/20	2020/21	2021/22	2022/23
Teaching Staff	96338	91549	95693	83634	83529
Non – Teaching Staff	25067	35872	36928	33018	30200
Meals Provided Without Charge	6500	2766	2350	3984	5075
Resources & Pupil Support	14533	15536	3514	4678	6575
Total Expenditure	142480	145723	138485	125315	125379

Outcomes 2023 – Value added

2022/23

	Holy Cross Overall	National	Holy Cross Disadvantaged
Progress 8	+1.03	0	+0.71
Attainment 8	62	46	48
% with Level 5 and above in English and Maths	77%	44%	56%
% with Level 4 and above in English and Maths	91%	64%	72%