Free School Meals Changes - More Families May Now Qualify
.png)
From September 2026, the Government is expanding Free School Meals eligibility. This means more children in families receiving Universal Credit may be entitled to receive Free School Meals, subject to an eligibility check.
We strongly encourage all parents and carers to apply, including families with children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, as well as those in Years 3–13.
Even if your child already receives a free meal through the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme, a successful Free School Meals application can help the academy receive valuable Pupil Premium funding. This funding supports teaching, learning, intervention, pastoral care, enrichment activities and wider opportunities for pupils.
Free School Meals are not awarded automatically, even if you receive Universal Credit. Families must complete an application so eligibility can be checked and confirmed.
If your child already receives Free School Meals, you should also reapply, as the previous transitional protection arrangements end at the end of the 2025/26 academic year.
Applications can be completed online using the Free School Meals and Pupil Premium form or complete the Buckinghamshire Council Free School Meals and Pupil Premium form, which can be found here - FSM and PP website. Paper copies are also available from Primary and Secondary receptions.
For further details, please read the letter HERE.
