Key Information: Free School Meals
National regulations for Free School Meals (FSM) eligibility are changing.
Because national transitional protections are coming to an end, all current FSM recipients, as well as new applicants, must undergo a new eligibility check before 1st September 2026 to qualify for the 2026/27 academic year.
What is Changing?
Starting September 2026, the Government is widening FSM access. Students from households on Universal Credit will now be entitled to free school meals once their eligibility is verified. Going forward, benefits-related Free School Meals will be split into two distinct categories:
- Targeted Free School Meals: This applies to families on Universal Credit with annual household net earnings of £7,400 or less (alongside other standard qualifying benefits). This specific group remains connected to Pupil Premium funding and additional targeted school support.
- Expanded Free School Meals: This is a new category that covers pupils who do not qualify for Targeted FSM, but whose households receive Universal Credit.
Please Note: If you complete your eligibility check before 31st August 2026 and your child qualifies, their free school meal entitlement will officially begin on 1st September 2026.
Daily Free School Meal Allowance
Daily Amount: Eligible students receive a daily allowance of £2.55 to use for food and drink at lunchtime. Please note this cannot be used at morning break.
Balances: The allowance resets daily. Unused funds do not roll over to the next day, so students are highly encouraged to use their full balance.
Overages: Any purchases exceeding the daily £2.55 limit must be covered via your child’s online catering account.
How to Apply or Recheck Your Status
All applications must be submitted online via the secure portal. You can access the automated online form here.
Who Should Apply?
We strongly advise any family who believes they might qualify, including all households receiving Universal Credit, to submit an application. The automated system will automatically determine whether your child qualifies for the Targeted or Expanded category.
How the Process Works:
- The system will automatically re-verify your status for up to 42 days after your initial application.
- If your household circumstances change during these six weeks, both you and the school will be instantly notified, and we will update our catering records accordingly.
Why You Should Apply (Even for Packed Lunches)
Even if your child prefers to bring a packed lunch, we strongly encourage you to apply. Registering for Targeted Free School Meals secures vital extra Pupil Premium funding and resource support for Gateacre School, directly benefiting your child's education.
Questions?
If you have any questions or require assistance with your application, please email admin@gateacre.org.