Free School Meals
From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, the DfE are expanding FSM eligibility to all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit regardless of household earnings. Free school meals are available to pupils in receipt of, or whose parents are in receipt of, one or more of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
A pupil is only eligible to receive a free school meal where both:
- a claim for this support has been made
- their eligibility has been verified by the school where they are enrolled or by the local authority
Households may also be entitled to a meal if they:
- are in receipt of income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- receive the guarantee element of Pension Credit
- meet criteria set out in separate guidance for families with no recourse to public funds
Beyond the financial benefits, this programme ensures children receive nutritious meals during school hours, which supports their learning and concentration in the classroom, physical health and development and overall wellbeing.
Infants will continue to receive free school meals under the Universal Infant Free School Meals programme.
From September 2026, free meal elibility falls into two categories:
Targeted FSM
Children from households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less (the existing threshold for FSM prior to the expansion), will be eligible for targeted FSM. In addition to receiving free meals, pupils eligible for targeted FSM will attract pupil premium and other disadvantage funding for their schools.
Expanded FSM
Children from households in receipt of Universal Credit, with annual household earnings exceeding £7,400 will be entitled to expanded FSM (meals only).
If you think that your child/children may be eligible for free school meals, please complete the ‘Free school meal entitlement checker’ which is available from the school office or submit the information online using the link below. This is to ensure we are able to check your child’s/children’s entitlement before the start of the new school year. The link is also on the High Ongar Primary School website under Parents/Free School Meals. If you have more than one child at High Ongar you can include all children on one form.
The transitional protections that are currently in place will no longer apply from the end of this school year, 2025/26. Therefore, these requirements also apply to those families already in receipt of free school meals and you will need to apply again, if you have not already done so.
Infants will continue to receive free school meals under the Universal Infant Free School Meals programme. However, by confirming your child’s entitlement to Targeted Free School Meals, even if they are in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2, it enables the school to claim extra Pupil Premium funding to provide targeted academic support, enrichment and reduce costs for parents towards school trips and events.
Schools are required to keep free school meal eligibility under continued review and once we have received your consent you will not be required to consent again for us to re-check your child’s eligibility.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.
