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.

Going forward, there will be 2 categories of benefits-based free school meals.

Eligible targeted

This covers children in households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less. These children will attract Pupil Premium and other disadvantage funding for their schools. Other education entitlements, such as the Holiday Activities and Food program (HAF) and the 'extended rights' element of School Transport Assistance will be based on the Targeted Free School Meals. 

Eligible expanded

This covers children who are in households receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings exceeding £7,400. Children will be entitled to Free School Meals only.

What this means for free school meal applications

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 can accept and process applications from 1 June 2026.

If your child is currently receiving free school meals, their eligibility will continue to be protected until the end of the current school year. However, if you meet the new criteria for free school meals, you will need to re-apply from 1 June 2026 in order to continue receiving free school meals for the new school year.

Once your application has been processed, if you are eligible, we will confirm under which category you are eligible and advise what level of support your child will receive.