There are many benefits of registering your child for free school meals at Highdown.
Registering for free school meals can: -
- Provide free, nutritious lunches for your child.
- Ensure you receive any related support you may be entitled to.
- Help the school access additional funding to support pupils
We encourage all parents who may be eligible to apply and ensure they receive the support available.
From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, the Department for Education (DfE) is delivering an expansion to FSM eligibility to include all pupils from households in receipt of Universal Credit. There will then be 2 categories of FSM:
- Targeted FSM, which continues to be based on the existing threshold, covering pupils who are in households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less
- Expanded FSM, which will apply to meals only, covering pupils who do not qualify for Targeted FSM, but who are in households in receipt of Universal Credit
Families who are eligible for targeted free school meals may also receive support with:
- Free compulsory uniform items
- School Trips
- Essential equipment for Maths
Are You Eligible for Free School Meals?
Check if you qualify – it is not just if you are unemployed, so please look at the guidance notes regarding eligibility below:
GUIDANCE NOTES FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
If you are in receipt of any of the following, you will be entitled to Free School Meals for your child:
- Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods)
- Income Support
- Income-Based Job Seekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment Support Allowance
- Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (from the National Asylum Support Service)
- The guarantee element of State Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (provided you're not also entitled to Working Tax Credit) and have an annual income of no more than £16,190
Note: If you are in receipt of Working Tax Credit during the four-week period immediately after your employment ceases, or after you start to work less than 16 hours per week, your child/children are entitled to free school meals.
CONFIRMATION OF ELIGIBILITY
Your application may be checked using The Department for Education Free School Meals Eligibility Checking Service using the information you have provided. The results will be a yes/no confirmation and your child’s school will be informed of this.
DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE
You may be requested by the school to provide documentary proof of entitlement.
CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCE
You must inform the school immediately of any change in your benefit entitlement.
Apply for Free School Meals
Complete this online form or print a copy of the form below and return to the school finance team.
No one will know you have registered and it will not affect any other benefits you are claiming.
Please register as soon as possible to make sure your child does not miss out. If you have already registered and are eligible for free school meals, thank you, and please contact us should you want your child to attend a trip for which there is a charge.