July 17th 2026

Key Date

Simon's update

Important News - Free School Meals

Dear Parents and Carers,

We want to let you know about some important national changes to Free School Meals (FSM) and Pupil Premium that will come into effect from September 2026.

These changes may affect your family, so we encourage everyone who receives Universal Credit to read the information below.

What is changing?

From September 2026, the Government is expanding Free School Meals so that all children in households receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for Free School Meals. The current household earnings threshold of £7,400 per year will be removed. This means many more children will qualify for free school meals.

What about Pupil Premium?

Although more children will become eligible for Free School Meals, the rules for Pupil Premium are not changing.

A child will only attract Pupil Premium funding if they meet the existing Targeted Free School Meals eligibility criteria (including the current income threshold). Children who qualify under the new expanded Free School Meals rules will receive free school meals but will not automatically attract Pupil Premium funding.

Why should I still apply?

Even if you are unsure whether you qualify, it is important to apply.

• Your child could receive a free, healthy meal every school day, helping to reduce family food costs.
• Families could save around £495 per child each year on school lunches.
• If your child is eligible for Targeted Free School Meals, the school may also receive Pupil Premium funding, which helps us provide additional support, resources and opportunities for eligible pupils.

If your application is declined now…

Please don't worry.

Some families who apply before September 2026 may not qualify under the current rules because the existing income threshold still applies.

However, once the new national rules begin in September 2026, many of these families may become eligible. If your application is unsuccessful now and you receive Universal Credit, we strongly encourage you to apply again after the new rules come into effect.

How do I apply?

You can apply for Free School Meals here:

https://www.camden.gov.uk/apply-for-free-school-meals

If you are unsure how to apply or would like support completing an application, please contact the school office. We are happy to help.

Need more information?

Further information about the national changes is available on the Department for Education website:

• Free School Meals guidance for parents and schools.
• Pupil Premium guidance.

If you think your family may be eligible, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Even if you have applied before and were not successful, it is worth checking again when the new eligibility rules begin in September.

Thank you for your continued support.