From the start of the 2026-27 school year all children whose families receive Universal Credit and who attend maintained schools, academies or free schools will be able to get a free school meal.

In the future, there will be two types of free school meals based on benefits:

• Targeted Free School Meals  – This will stay the same as now. It is for pupils whose families receive Universal Credit and have yearly earnings of £7,400 or less.
• Expanded Free School Meals – This is a new type. It is for pupils who do not qualify for Targeted FSM but whose families still receive Universal Credit.

From 1st July 2026, parents who are in receipt of Universal Credit will be able to apply for Expanded FSM and Targeted FSM through the parent portal on the North Northamptonshire Council website. Children who are eligible will be entitled to receive a free school meal from the start of the 2026/2027 academic year.

• If your child goes to a school in North Northamptonshire, please apply using the Parent Portal:
  https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/parent-portal

Full details are provided in the letter to parents below.

Current System (to 31 August)

My child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are automatically entitled to free school meals under the Universal Infant Free School Meals Scheme (UIFSM). 

Pupil Premium - extra support for your child

You can apply for the Pupil Premium which provides your child's school with additional funding to support them.  If you are in receipt of certain benefits listed on the North Northants council website you can make your application online.

My child is in Year 3 or above.

The school the child is attending will automatically get a pupil premium amount if the child is eligible for free school meals.

You can apply below for free school meals (£2.58 towards the cost of each meal) for older children in full-time education up to the age of 18 if you are in receipt of certain benefits and they attend a school in North Northamptonshire.

Please follow the link to the council's website to check eligibility and make your application.

Free school meals and pupil premium | North Northamptonshire Council

If eligible, your child would be given a £100 virtual voucher by the school.  This could be spent on many things during the school year such as:

Extra curricular clubs, school trips, uniform, Beavers and Brownies, music lessons, swimming lessons.

You can access further information and apply by following this link to: Check eligibility and apply

Our Pupil Premium strategy and Reports are available as downloadable documents: here (About Us/Statutory information)