All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 can get free school meals, whatever your income. This is called Universal Infant Free School Meals. From Year 3 only certain children can continue to get free school meals. This is called Benefits Related Free School Meals.
From 1 September 2026, all children in households receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to Benefits Related Free School Meals, regardless of household income. This applies to all children attending state-funded schools, nurseries and academies.
We encourage all families who receive Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits to apply as soon as your child starts school, even if your child already receives Universal Infant Free School Meals.
For every child who receives benefit-related free school meals, the school receive additional funding to support their education. This is called pupil premium funding.
Pupil premium is additional funding to support your child’s education and potential. This is paid by the government to schools for every child who has (or has had) benefit-related free school meals.
If you think your family might be eligible for pupil premium funding, just have a chat (in confidence) with our office staff, take a look at the BANES Pupil Premium eligibility page or read the information below. It costs nothing and could benefit your family.
If your household earned income/take home pay is below £616.67 per month, (which is equivalent to £7,400 per year) then you could be entitled to Benefit Related Free School Meals. Your household income is the figure that Universal Credit use to work out how much Universal Credit to pay you, not your actual Universal Credit payment.
Your child may qualify for Benefit related free school meals if you receive: