Apply for free school meals

Apply for free school meals

Get extra funding for your school

If you receive any benefits, you should tell your school as they can get extra funding called the Pupil Premium grant. This includes:

  • Universal Credit - your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • The guaranteed element of state Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit (provided you're not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more £16,190)
  • Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

Children who get paid these benefits directly can also get free school meals.

If your family is facing hardship, find out what Government support is available to you.

If you need urgent help, contact us to find out if we can assist you

Universal infant free school meals

Your child will be able to get free school meals if they are in government-funded school and are in:

  • Reception
  • Year 1
  • Year 2

Holiday activities and food programme

School-aged children and young people who qualify for benefits-related free school meals can access free holiday clubs during the: 

  • Easter holidays
  • summer holidays
  • Christmas holidays

Clubs provide a wide range of activities, for example: 

  • sports and games
  • arts and crafts
  • music
  • drama
  • learning about food as well as healthy meals and snacks