By registering your child for FSM, you can also allow the school to receive additional funding to support learning, wellbeing and enrichment opportunities for all pupils.
The Government has announced changes to FSM eligibility from 1st September 2026. These changes may affect families who currently receive FSM, as well as those who may be eligible in the future.
Since April 2018, children who became eligible for Free School Meals have continued to receive them, even if their family circumstances later changed. This protection will end by the end of the 2025/26 school year.
This means that all FSM eligibility will need to be reassessed by your local authority before 31st August 2026.
This applies to:
If your child is confirmed as eligible during this period, they will continue to receive free school meals for the whole of the 2026/27 school year, even if your circumstances change during that year. You will then need to reapply for the new school year (27/28) to review your eligibility.
This includes Free School Meals and additional Pupil Premium funding for the school.
Your child may be eligible if you receive:
This includes Free School Meals only – no additional Pupil Premium funding for the school.
You may be eligible if you receive Universal Credit and your household income is above £7,400 per year.
There will be no immediate changes to Free School Meals. All existing FSM arrangements will continue until the end of the 2025/26 school year.
If you apply online through the local authority, we recommend you have the following information with you:
Applications are usually quick to complete and many families receive a decision shortly after applying.
If you would like support with checking your eligibility or completing an application form, please contact the school office.
You may be eligible if you receive certain benefits including:
Yes. Although all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 receive Universal Infant Free School Meals, registering for benefits-related FSM can provide additional funding for the school, which is also known as Pupil Premium.
Registering your child for FSM offers financial savings for you as a family by providing a nutritious, tasty meal each school day. You may also have access to holiday food and activity programmes.
The school will also receive extra funding to benefit all children by supporting wellbeing, enrichment and learning opportunities.
YES.
All applications are handled confidentially. Other pupils or parents/carers will not know that your child receives free school meals.
YES.
If your financial circumstances change during the school year, you can apply at any time.
NO.
Applying for free school meals will not affect any other benefits or support you currently receive.
