Free school meals transitional protection will be ending at the end of the current school year.

From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, the government plans to expand access to free school meals to all children and young people from households receiving Universal Credit.

Due to these changes, we are currently unable to process applications for September starters. If your child is starting school for the first time in September, or if they are changing to a new school in September, we hope to process applications from the start of the summer holidays (23 July). We are currently awaiting further guidance from the Department for Education and will update schools and our guidance when we know more.

If your child is currently receiving free school meals, their eligibility will continue to be protected until the end of the current school year, and you do not need to re-apply at this time.