Expanded Free School Meals

From 1 September 2026, the Government has expanded eligibility for free school meals.

If your family receives Universal Credit, your child may now be entitled to free school meals, regardless of your household earnings.

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will continue to receive Universal Infant Free School Meals automatically. However, we still encourage families receiving Universal Credit to apply, as your child may also qualify for Targeted Pupil Premium, which provides additional support for both your child and the school.

What is Targeted Pupil Premium?

Targeted Pupil Premium is different from Expanded Free School Meals.

It is additional Government funding provided to schools to help improve educational outcomes for children who may be at risk of underachievement.

Your child may be eligible for Targeted Pupil Premium if:

• your family receives Universal Credit, and
• your annual household earnings are £7,400 or less (after tax and excluding benefits).

Children who qualify for Targeted Pupil Premium receive free school meals as well as additional support funded through the school.

This group also includes children who:

• are looked after by the local authority;
• have previously been looked after and have since been adopted, placed under a Special Guardianship Order, or a Child Arrangements Order.

Why should I apply?

Even if your child already receives free school meals, completing an application helps us identify whether they are eligible for Targeted Pupil Premium.

This additional funding allows us to provide extra support for eligible pupils and helps us continue to improve outcomes for children.

At Hillside First School, children eligible for Targeted Pupil Premium also receive:

• A free Hillside school sweatshirt or cardigan each academic year.
• Additional support and opportunities funded through the school's Pupil Premium allocation.

Apply Online

Applying is quick, easy and completely confidential.

When you complete an online application, school staff do not see any information about your income or benefits. We simply receive confirmation of whether your child is eligible.

You will need your:

• National Insurance Number, or
• Asylum Seeker Support Number.

You will normally receive confirmation of your eligibility straight away.

Click here to apply for Expanded Free School Meals and Targeted Pupil Premium

Need help?

If you would like help completing the application, please contact the school office on 01202 822737. A member of staff will be happy to assist you or complete the application with you.