“All curriculum costs are met and resources for learning at home are provided for all pupils. The PEF money has been important. We have been able to remove all costs for subjects that had previously resulted in costs for children and young people who wanted to study those, particularly Home Economics, Art and Technology subjects. Some children and young people had previously avoided studying these subjects because of the costs, even where they were good at and were enjoying those subjects. We had previously allowed departments to fund children who could not afford to study these subjects but children did not always want to ask for financial support. Now with the complete removal of all costs this means that all subjects are free to study.  This has allowed us to be more equitable and to be more inclusive.”

St Paul's Academy also supplied devices for all pupils to take home. Access to devices has impacted positively on the quality of work submitted:

“All pupils were offered a device for home learning. Over 340 laptops are now with pupils at home.  Many of these included access to Wifi and support for pupils and parents in using these at home. The pupils will keep these laptops for home learning, homework, and on occasion bring them in to school to continue study. These are proving extremely useful now for improving the standard and quality of homework returned and in accessing home learning during periods of absence.”