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Free School Meals

Free School Meals
 
Is your child eligible for Free School Meals? If so please see information and how to apply.
 
IF YOU DECIDE THAT YOUR CHILD DOES NOT WANT A SCHOOL MEAL BUT YOU ARE ENTITLED TO A FREE SCHOOL MEAL, PLEASE STILL APPLY AS THE SCHOOL WILL RECEIVE ADDITIONAL FUNDING WHICH WILL BENEFIT YOUR CHILD INCLUDING SUPPORT WITH TRIPS, SWIMMING LESSONS AND MUSIC LESSONS.
 

Children in Reception, Year 1 and 2 

All Key Stage 1 (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) pupils are entitled to receive a free school meal. This is part of the Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) initiative and regardless of what benefits are being claimed. 

However, some children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 may also have an entitlement to benefits-related Free School Meals. Children in this group are also eligible for Pupil Premium – additional funding paid to the school to support your child in their learning. It is important to apply for benefits-related Free School Meals if you think your child may be eligible. This is so that your child’s school can receive this funding.

Your child will be eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Children in Year 3 and above 

Your child may be eligible for benefits-related free school meals if you, or the child themselves, meet the eligibility criteria. 

If eligible for Free School Meals, your child will also be eligible for pupil premium.  This is additional funding paid to the school to support your child in their learning.

Free school meals eligibility criteria if you receive benefits

A child is eligible for free school meals if their parent/carer (or the child themselves) receives any of the following benefits:

  • Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods)
  • Income Support (IS)
  • Job Seekers' Allowance (Income-Based) and equal based Job Seekers Allowance
  • Income Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA-IR) and equal based Employment and Support Allowance
  • Child Tax Credit (CTC) provided you're not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190
  • Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
  • Guarantee Element of Pension Credit (GPC)
  • Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (IAA) Supports

There are different eligibility criteria for families who are not entitled to benefits (NRPF - No Recourse to Public Funds)

Free School Meal transitional protections 

Transitional protections have been extended until the end of the 2025/26 school year.

All pupils becoming eligible for free school meals under the benefits-based criteria, should continue to receive this entitlement, regardless of any change in household circumstances until the end of the 2025/26 school year.

Apply for Free School Meals

You can apply for Free School Meals and Pupil Premium online. 

Please ensure you have read the important information on this page before applying. 

 

Apply for Free School Meals Here

 

Schools in Cornwall are responsible for arranging their own school meal provision; however, all schools must meet the national nutritional standards