Please be aware, that important changes to free school meals (FSM) will be coming into effect from September 2026.
What's changing?
From September 2026, all pupils from households receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for free school meals, regardless of their household's annual income.
Previously, only families receiving Universal Credit with an annual income of £7,400 or less qualified for free school meals. This income limit has now been removed for Universal Credit recipients.
Important: All families currently receiving FSM will need to reapply
If your child currently receives free school meals, you will need to reapply in as soon as possible to confirm your eligibility under the new criteria.
This is because the transitional protections that have been in place are ending. We need to check that all families still meet the eligibility requirements. Any changes will only take effect from 1st September 2026.
What does this mean for your family?
If you receive Universal Credit, your child will now be eligible for free school meals, regardless of your household income.
If you receive other benefits (such as Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or Child Tax Credit), the eligibility criteria remain the same as before.
Why should you register?
- Free school meals save you money on food costs
- Your child gets a nutritious meal every day
- Registering helps the school receive additional funding to support your child's education
How to apply
Parents can complete an online application form, available here. If you need to contact us please do so via our Contact Us page.