Changes to Free School Meal Eligibility from September 2026 and Required Action

The government has announced changes to Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility from September 2026.

The significant national expansion to the Free School Meal (FSM) system is expected to allow more children to qualify for free school meals, potentially saving families up to £450 per year.

Important – End of Transitional Protection **Action Required for Some Families**

From 1 September 2026, 'Transitional Protection' for Free School Meals will end nationally.

'Transitional Protection' has allowed some pupils to continue receiving free school meals even if their family's circumstances changed and they no longer met the eligibility criteria. However, from 1 September 2026, this protection will end. Any pupil receiving free school meals solely through 'Transitional Protection' who is not eligible under the current Free School Meals criteria (i.e. whose household does not receive Universal Credit (or another qualifying benefit), or has not made an application) will lose their entitlement to free school meals.

We strongly encourage all families to check their eligibility and submit an application as soon as possible if they have not already done so.

To apply, please go to www.bradford.gov.uk/benefits/applying-for-benefits/free-school-meals/

If the eligibility checker is unavailable, check back regularly over the next few weeks. If you require support or assistance in applying, please contact school and ask to speak with Rebecca on 01274 307456.

⚠️ Please do not assume that your child's current free school meal entitlement will continue after 1 September 2026. Check your eligibility and apply if required.

Are you eligible for Free School Meals?

From September 2026, all households receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for free school meals, regardless of their earnings.

However, not all children receiving free school meals will attract Pupil Premium funding for schools. Schools will continue to receive Pupil Premium funding only for pupils who meet the government's Pupil Premium eligibility criteria.

For this reason, it remains important that eligible families apply for free school meals.

Under the new framework, school meals will be divided into two specific administrative categories:

1. Targeted FSM: This covers pupils whose households receive Universal Credit and have an annual net earned income of £7,400 or less (or those receiving other qualifying legacy benefits). Children in this category receive free school meals and continue to secure Pupil Premium funding.
2. Expanded FSM: This is the brand-new category covering pupils whose households receive Universal Credit but have an annual earned income above £7,400. Children in this bracket are entitled to the free school meal itself, though they do not attract school Pupil Premium funding.

To apply: www.bradford.gov.uk/benefits/applying-for-benefits/free-school-meals/

For further advice, please contact:

If you are at all unsure or need help contacting the Benefits Team, please contact the school office on 01274 307456. We will be happy to help.

 

Statement of Pupil Premium Strategy

Pupil Premium is a very valuable resource at Oastlers School. It not only supports learning, it supports essential development in social, emotional and mental health challenges… to read more, please click on the “Statement of Pupil Premium Strategy”.

*These documents will be updated frequently. Please visit this page regularly to check for updates