The phrase "eligible pupils" refers to students who meet the requirements or criteria to participate in a specific program or receive a certain benefit. These are students who are qualified or suitable for a particular opportunity. Full definition
Schools must have at least 5 eligible pupils in order to retain a class. (citizensinformation.ie)
However, schools are to be held accountable for how they have used the additional funding to support eligible pupils. (netacademies.net)
Schools with 16 pupils or fewer will receive # 1000 per pupil, while those with 17 or more eligible pupils will receive # 16,000 with an additional # 10 payment per pupil. (qaeducation.co.uk)