Skip to content ↓
Click CEOP - Internet Safety
Preston Manor Preston Manor

Free School Meals Eligibility from September 2026

Changes to Free School Meal Eligibility from September 2026

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 continue to receive Universal Infant Free School Meals, and the Mayor of London's scheme also provides free meals for pupils in Key Stage 2 at Brent primary schools.

However, eligible families should still apply for benefits-related Free School Meals, as this will provide them with food vouchers during the school holidays as well as additional funding and support for the child's school with £1,550 which the school will use to support our children.

Check if you are entitled to benefits related to Free School Meals
You may now be eligible

From September 2026, all families receiving Universal Credit are entitled to Free School Meals, regardless of household earnings. You may also be eligible if your household has annual earnings of £7,400 or less. Free School Meals can provide valuable support for your family, including food vouchers during the school holidays where applicable.

Important: Transitional Protections Are Ending

Since 2018, some students have continued receiving Free School Meals through transitional protection, even when changes in their family's circumstances meant they would no longer normally qualify.

These transitional protections have ended as of the close of the last academic year.
This means that:

  • Some children who currently receive Free School Meals may no longer be eligible from September 2026 if their family is not receiving Universal Credit or another qualifying benefit.
  • Eligibility will be based on the family's current benefit status.
  • If your child is joining a new school in September 2026, the school may ask you to confirm your details.
If your child does not currently receive Free School Meals
Why apply?

By receiving Free School Meals:

  • Eligible families may receive shopping vouchers during the school holidays.
  • The school can receive additional funding of up to £1,550 per eligible child to support their education.
  • This funding can be used in different ways, including:
  • Extra support with learning
  • Help towards educational visits
  • Learning resources
  • Additional staff
  • Extra tuition

So, applying can help your family with the cost of food while also providing your child's school with additional funding to support their learning and development.

What you need before creating an account

Before you start your application, make sure you have:

  • Your full name
  • Your full address, including postcode
  • An email address
  • A contact telephone number
  • Your National Insurance (NI) number or National Asylum Support Service (NASS) number
  • Your date of birth

For each child you are applying for, you will also need:

  • Their full name
  • Their date of birth
  • Their address, if it is different from yours
Apply today
https://www.brent.gov.uk/education-schools-and-learning/free-school-meals#howtoapply

It only takes a few minutes to apply, and you could be helping your family while also helping your child's school provide additional support.

Cookie Policy