Free school meals

Free School Meals are changing from 01 September 2026.

You can claim free school meals for a child if they are in full-time education, you are responsible for the child, and you get at least one of the following benefits:

Universal credit
Income related employment and support allowance
Guaranteed pension credit
Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Universal Free School Meals

Even if your child receives Universal Free School Meal (Reception, year 1 and year 2) it is still important to make an application as the school may receive additional funding, known as the pupil premium, for every eligible pupil.

Please note: Pupil Premium only applies if you are in receipt of a qualifying benefit above and you have an annual earned income of no more than £7,400 or £616.67 monthly

Apply for Free School Meals

To claim for free school meals complete the Free School Meals Application .

Apply for Free School Meals

If you can’t complete the online form you can print and return the Free School Meals Application (PDF, 44KB) .

You may be eligible to apply for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support and other financial support. If you would like more information, please use this link Benefits and Help with Money.

Schools we provide Free School Meal eligibility checks for:

If the school your child attends is not listed below, we may not provide FSM for that school.

Please contact the school directly before completing our application form. This information may have changed and may not have been updated on our website.