wHAT ARE fREE SCHOOL MEALS?

Free school meals are available to children of families who are on a low income or receive certain benefits.

The Government is changing the rules for Free School Meals (FSM) from September 2026.

Before, if your child received free school meals, they could keep them, even if your situation changed. This was called 'transitional protection'. From September 2026, this protection will end, and you will need to meet the FSM eligibility criteria to continue receiving Free School Meals.  At the same time, eligibility for Free School Meals is being expanded so that more pupils are able to access this provision, and from September 2026 all children living in households that receive Universal Credit will be entitled to Free School Meals, regardless of earnings.

This means all families must now meet the new rules to get Free School Meals.

who qualifies?

Children whose parents/carers receive one of the following benefits are entitled.  You will need to apply using the link below.

• Universal Credit
• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Child Tax Credit (without Working Tax Credit)
• Working Tax Credit (run-on)
• Asylum support

If your child qualifies for free school meals but takes a packed lunch, it’s still important that you tell us and submit a free school meals application, as this may enable us to claim Pupil Premium funding on their behalf.

how are these provided at agsb?

Years 7-11: Your child will be allocated funds which will be uploaded daily onto their lunch account.
Sixth Form students will be given a weekly allowance.

How do I apply?

Option 1. Not currently in receipt of Free School Meals
You should now make an application for Free School Meals using the link below. (If you live in a different local authority, please use their appropriate form).

Option 2. Currently in receipt of Free School Meals
You don't have to reapply if your son already qualifies for Free School Meals as this will automatically be checked by the OFSM system. This will happen once a year, prior to the next academic year.

Please note, under the new rules your child may no longer be eligible if:

• They currently receive Free School Meals only because of ‘transitional protection’; and
• Your household no longer receives Universal Credit or any other qualifying benefit.

PLEASE NOTE
**For Year 7 New Starters in September, pupils currently in receipt of free school meals will need to reapply using the link below.**
Please see link to the letter below for further details on Pupil Premium.