Free School Meals

Free school meals: check if your child can get support 

Over 1 in 10 children in England who could get free school meals are not registered. Free school meals give your child a healthy lunch every school day, can save your family £400-£500 a year, and bring over £1,000 of extra funding per eligible secondary pupil into our school. Our aim is that no eligible child misses out.

 

Who can get free school meals?

Your child may be able to get free school meals if you receive certain income related benefits (for example Income Support, income based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income related Employment and Support Allowance, some forms of Tax Credits, or Universal Credit below the current income threshold).

Some children in families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) can also qualify based on their household income. Free school meals are not classed as public funds and do not affect immigration status.

If you are unsure whether you qualify, please apply so that the council can check.

 

Why it is important to register

By registering for free school meals you:

• Give your child access to a healthy meal every school day, which supports wellbeing and learning.
• Can save around £400 to £500 a year per child on food costs.
• Help the school to receive significant extra funding (Pupil Premium) used for additional teaching, small group support, revision classes, enrichment activities and pastoral care.

Even if your child sometimes prefers a packed lunch, registration still brings this funding into school.

 

How to apply

The easiest way to apply is online:

1. Go to www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals.
2. Enter your home postcode and follow the link to your local council website.
3. Complete the Free School Meals application form with your details and your child’s details.

If you cannot apply online or need help with the form, please contact the school office. We can provide a paper form or support you to complete the application.

 

Confidentiality 

We use a cashless canteen system, so pupils who receive free school meals are not identified at the till. All pupils choose from the same menu and information about eligibility is kept strictly confidential.

 

Need help or have questions?

If you would like support with an application, or want to check whether you might qualify, please contact the school office.