Free School Meals – What You Need to Know

We understand that the current financial climate is challenging for many families. If you think your child may be entitled to free school meals but you’re unsure about the process, or if you would like help completing an application, please get in touch. We’re here to support you.

Free school meals not only provide your child with a healthy, nutritious lunch each day, but they can also bring additional funding into the school through the Pupil Premium, helping us to provide even more support for your child’s education.

Below is a simple guide to who can receive free school meals and how it all works.

Children in Secondary School

From Year 7 onwards, free school meals are not automatically provided. However, your child may still be entitled to benefits-related free school meals if your family meets the eligibility criteria.

If your child qualifies, they will also receive Pupil Premium funding, which directly benefits their learning and wellbeing in school.

Benefits-Related Free School Meal Eligibility

Your child may be eligible if you (or your child, in some cases) receive any of the following:

• Universal Credit (with an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400)
• Income Support (IS)
• Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Child Tax Credit (as long as you are not receiving Working Tax Credit and have an annual income of no more than £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
• Guaranteed Element of Pension Credit
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Need Help? We’re Here

We know that applying for support can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when family finances are tight. If you think you might qualify or would like help with the application process, please contact us. Every conversation is confidential, and we’re always happy to support our families.

Apply for free school meals and pupil premium - Cornwall Council