Free School Meals

Important changes to Free School Meals - Increased eligibility from September 2026

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Dear Parents and Carers,

We are writing to tell you about some changes to the Free School Meals (FSM) program that will take effect from September 2026, and what action we need you to take now.

The government has expanded the eligibility criteria, meaning many more families will now qualify for free school meals. Most notably, from September, all children whose families receive Universal Credit will be entitled to free school meals, regardless of household income.

What you need to do:

We are asking all parents who receive Universal Credit (including those currently receiving free school meals) to complete this google form as soon as possible. 

If you think you might be eligible under the new rules, but you’re not sure, please complete the form and we’ll confirm your eligibility. 

What is changing?

From September 2026, the Free School Meals program will look a little different. It will now be divided into two groups for secondary students:

• Expanded Free School Meals (New): All children in years 7-13 whose families receive Universal Credit are now eligible.

• Targeted Free School Meals: This is the current criteria, including families receiving Universal Credit with an earned income under £7,400. (The school also receives extra funding, known as Pupil Premium, for students in this group. This goes directly toward supporting your child’s education).

​Why we need you to act now

To ensure that all eligible children are registered and can receive their meals smoothly at the start of the new school year, the government requires us to perform a new eligibility check for the 2026/27 academic year. Because the previous "transitional protections" are ending this July, all families including those whose children currently receive free school meals must be checked under the new system. Once approved, your child’s eligibility is locked in and guaranteed for the entire 2026/27 school year and we can recheck automatically each year. 

Please complete this google form as soon as possible to allow us to check eligibility.

Thank you for your prompt cooperation. Your support helps us ensure that no child misses out on a healthy meal and that our school receives the correct funding to support your child/ren.

If you have any questions or need assistance filling out the form, please do not hesitate to contact the school finance team via finance@cheneyschool.org

Warm regards,

Jodie McMinn

School Business Manager