Important Changes to Free School Meals (FSM) Eligibility for the 2026/27 Academic Year

We are writing to inform you about important national updates from the Department for Education (DfE) regarding Free School Meals (FSM) entitlement. These changes will take effect at the start of the new school year in September 2026 and may affect your child’s eligibility.

Please read the details below carefully to understand how these updates impact your household and what steps you need to take next.

What is Changing?

1. The End of “Transitional Protections”

Since 2018, temporary “transitional protections” have been in place. This meant that once a child became eligible for Free School Meals, they automatically kept that entitlement for their entire phase of education, even if their family’s financial circumstances changed.

These protections are officially ending at the close of the current school year (August 2026). Moving forward, schools are required to check eligibility annually. To continue receiving free school meals in September, households must meet the government’s updated criteria.

2. Two New Categories of Free School Meals

To support more families, the government is expanding eligibility to all households receiving Universal Credit, dividing the system into two distinct brackets:

• Targeted FSM: This covers pupils in households receiving Universal Credit with an annual net earned income of £7,400 or less (or those receiving other qualifying legacy benefits). This group continues to unlock vital extra funding for the school ( Pupil Premium).
• Expanded FSM: This is a brand-new category. It covers pupils who do not meet the lower income threshold above, but whose households are actively receiving Universal Credit. Children in this group will now be fully entitled to receive a free school meal every day.

What You Need to Do Next

Because the old protections are ending, every family currently receiving benefits-based Free School Meals must have their eligibility rechecked before the new term begins. To ensure there is no disruption to your child’s school meals in September, please take action based on your circumstances:

• If you currently receive Universal Credit (regardless of your earnings): You must submit a fresh check. If your income is above £7,400, your child will transition to the new Expanded FSM category and will successfully continue to receive free meals. In order for this check to be made, please complete the school Google Form
• If you believe you are newly eligible under the Universal Credit expansion: We highly encourage you to apply so your child can start receiving free meals from September.
• When to check: The application window for the 2026/27 academic is now open.

  Please provide the school with the details above no later than  Please complete your 01st July 2026 so the council can process it before the autumn term.

• Security of information:  Please be aware that all details given to the school will be held safely and securely, and passed on to the Council in order for the checks to be made.  The details will be held on file in readiness for the annual check on the following years.  Should you wish for this not to be the case, please let the school office know in writing.

Note for Parents of Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 Pupils: While your children automatically receive meals under the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme, we strongly urge you to still apply if you meet the Targeted FSM criteria (£7,400 or less income threshold). A successful application ensures our school receives the additional funding needed to support your child’s education.

If you do nothing: Please note that if we do not receive any information for the checks to be done,  (and you are currently FSM eligible) then you will automatically lose your entitlement to either Category of Free School Meal.

We understand that changes to these systems can be confusing. Please rest assured that we are here to support you through this transition. If you have any questions, please message the school office in confidence.

Thank you for your cooperation and prompt attention to this matter.