Free School Meals (FSM)
From the start of the 2026-27 academic year, the DFE is expanding FSM eligibility to all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit regardless of household earnings. Free school meals are available to pupils in receipt of, or whose parents are in receipt of, one or more of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
A pupil is only eligible to receive a free school meal where both:
- a claim for this support has been made
- their eligibility has been verified by the school where they are enrolled or by the local authority
Check Your Child's Eligibility for FSM
Households may also be entitled to a meal if they:
- are in receipt of income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- receive the guarantee element of Pension Credit
- meet criteria set out in separate guidance for families with no recourse to public funds.
Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM)
All children in Reception and Key Stage 1 (Year 1 and Year 2) are entitled to receive a free school lunch each day – parents of children in these year groups need not pay for a school meal. These are supplied by the school catering team. Children in these year groups can choose to bring a packed lunch with them should you or they prefer.
However, any child in these year groups who is also eligible for FSM (above) may generate additional funds for the school's Pupil Premium Grant (PPG). Therefore, parents in all year groups are encouraged to check their child's eligibility.
