Free School Meals (FSM)
From September 2026, the Department of Education are changing the eligibility criteria for Free School Meals. Over half a million additional pupils will become eligible for Free School Meals under the new eligibility criteria. The change means that all households receiving Universal Credit, above the current £7,400 income cap, will also qualify for this support.
Beyond the financial benefits, this programme ensures children receive nutritious meals during school hours, which supports their learning and concentration in the classroom, physical health and development and overall wellbeing.
If you think that your child/children may be eligible for free school meals, please submit the information online using the link below or ask the school office for a paper copy of the ‘Free school meal entitlement checker’. If you have more than one child at Mildmay, you can include all children on one form.
The transitional protections that are currently in place will no longer apply from the end of this school year, 2025/26. Therefore, those families already receiving Free School Meals MUST re-apply (via the link below) before the new academic year.
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.
