SMS Pupil Premium Funding Formula 2025-26
Objective
To ensure equitable access to high-quality music education for students eligible for Pupil
Premium, by leveraging school budgets, parental contributions, and Sussex Music School’s
support schemes.
Sussex Music School is the ONLY music education provider in Sussex that guarantees to
offer free 1-2-1 weekly lessons, instruments and books to disadvantaged children and
young people.
Option 1: Direct Subsidy Model (The majority of schools choose to fully fund
lessons)
• Base Cost: £18/week per student (billed termly)
• Annual Cost per Student: £18 × 34 weeks = £612
• SMS Contribution: Instruments and books provided free
• School Contribution: Up to 100% of lesson cost
• Parent Contribution (Optional): Up to 40% (£7.20/week or £244.80/year)
Funding Formula:
School Pays = £612 × (1 - Parent Contribution %)
Parent Pays = £612 × (Parent Contribution %)
Example: If the school asks parents to contribute 30%, the school pays £428.40 and parents
pay £183.60
Option 2: Cross-Subsidy Model
• Eligibility: For every 10 pupils (20-min lessons) or 20 pupils (30-min lessons) fully
paid by parents
• Benefit: 1 additional student receives free lessons, instruments, and books
• Selection Criteria: Based on aptitude and passion, chosen by music teacher
• Agreement: Signed by student and parent
• Monitoring: SMS teacher reports on progress
Funding Formula:
Free Student Ratio = (Total Fully Paid Pupils) ÷ 10 (for 20-min) or ÷ 20
(for 30-min)
Example: If 30 pupils pay for 30-min lessons, 1.5 students can be funded. Round down to 1
or combine with other schools to fund more.
Option 3: Exceptional Scholarship Model
• Eligibility: Exceptional musical talent + financial need
• Application: Direct enquiry to SMS CEO Alex Dalton (usually via the instrumental
teacher)
• Support: Full funding including lessons, instruments, and books
• Agreement: Signed by student and parent
• Monitoring: SMS teacher reports on progress
Funding Formula:
Case-by-case basis, outside standard budgeting. Schools should identify
candidates and apply.
Suggested Implementation Strategy
Funding Source % Contribution Notes
School Budget 60–100% Use Pupil Premium funds or arts budget
Parent Contribution 0–40% Optional, based on school policy
SMS Cross-Subsidy Variable Based on number of fully paid pupils
SMS Scholarship Case-by-case For exceptional cases
Recommendations
• Prioritise Option 2 for sustainable funding via parent-paid lessons
• Use Option 1 for guaranteed access when budget allows
• Apply for Option 3 for standout students with financial barriers
• Track pupil progress and engagement to ensure continued support