Free School Meals

IMPORTANT UPDATE: CHANGES TO FREE SCHOOL MEALS (SEPTEMBER 2026)

Starting in September 2026, the Government is widening access to Free School Meals (FSM). All children from households receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to a free school meal, regardless of household earnings.

WHAT IS CHANGING?

Expanded entitlement for families on Universal Credit

From the start of academic year 2026 to 2027, all children in households receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to free school meals, regardless of earnings.

Going forward, there will be two types of eligibility:

• Targeted FSM: for households in receipt of universal credit earning £7,400 or less (includes free meals and additional support such as pupil premium).  Other educational entitlements such as the Holiday Activities and Food program (HAF) and the ‘extended rights’ element of school travel assistance, will also continue to be based on targeted FSM.
• Expanded FSM: for households in receipt of universal credit earning above £7,400 (free meals only).

Families with no recourse to public funds may also be eligible for Targeted FSM subject to meeting separate criteria.

All pupils in reception, year 1 and year 2 will also continue to be entitled to free school meals under the universal infant free school meals policy regardless of family circumstances.

End of transitional protections

Since 2018, some children have continued to receive free school meals, even if their family circumstances changed during the rollout of Universal Credit. This is referred to as transitional protections. Now that entitlement is being expanded to all families on Universal Credit, these protections will end at the end of the 2025 to 2026 academic year.

This means:

• Some children may no longer be eligible from the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year if their family does not receive Universal Credit or another qualifying benefit
• Eligibility will now be based on current benefit status 

What do parents/carers need to do?

If your child already has a Free School Meal claim, you do not normally need to make a duplicate application.  Schools and local authorities will carry out eligibility checks and rechecks using the Government's Free School Meal checking arrangements.

However, if your child has never previously had a Free School Meal claim and your household receives Universal Credit, you should make a claim if you believe your child is eligible.

A claim must be made and eligibility must be verified before Free School Meals can be awarded.

If you receive Universal Credit

• If your annual household earnings are £7,400 or less, your child may qualify for Targeted Free School Meals, which can also provide access to Pupil Premium and other support.
• If your annual household earnings are above £7,400, your child may qualify for Expanded Free School Meals.
• If you have already made a Free School Meal application, please do not submit a duplicate application. If further information is required, the school or local authority will contact you.

If you have never made a claim and believe your child is eligible, you can apply at Free School Meals online application. Alternatively, please ask for a form from the school office and we can submit an application on your behalf.

Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF)

The HAF Programme offers families of children aged 4 to 16, who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals, opportunities to access a range of free activities in the Easter, summer, and Christmas holidays.

Each programme will provide a range of exciting activities, games and new experiences for children, along with a healthy main meal.  Vouchers are sent to families who are eligible for free school meals.

To book a place on a HAF programme visit The Education People website.