What is COVID-19 Catch-up Funding?

Children and young people across the country have experienced unprecedented disruption to their education as a result of COVID-19.  To ensure that children and young people recover and get back on track, the government has announced £1 billion of funding to support children and young people to catch up. This includes a one-off universal £650 million catch-up premium for the 2020 to 2021 academic year to ensure that schools have the support they need to help all students make up for lost teaching time.

Allocation

School allocations will be calculated on a per student basis, providing each mainstream school with a total of £80 for each student in years reception through to 11.

Utilisation

Schools will be using this funding for specific activities to support their students to catch up for lost teaching over the previous months, in line with the guidance on curriculum expectations for the next academic year. Schools have the flexibility to spend their funding in the best way for their cohort and circumstances.