Free school meals and pupil premium eligibility for school aged children
There are two types of free school meal entitlement:
Targeted free school meals are for children in households receiving Universal Credit with net annual earnings of £7,400 or less
If your child qualifies for Targeted Free School Meals.
They will:
- receive free school meals
- enable their school to receive additional funding through the Pupil Premium Grant
Pupil Premium funding helps schools provide extra support, resources and opportunities for eligible pupils.
Expanded free school meals are for children in households receiving Universal Credit whose annual net earnings exceed the standard £7,400 threshold. The expanded entitlement does not generate Pupil Premium funding for their school.
We encourage all parents and carers receiving qualifying benefits to complete this form so that we can identify whether children are eligible for Targeted or Expanded Free School Meals and ensure schools receive all available funding.
Before you apply
Important: Before applying, please read the information below carefully, as it contains essential guidance on eligibility requirements and supporting evidence.
Early Years
Some children attending an eligible school-based nursery or maintained nursery school may be entitled to Early Years Free School Meals.
To qualify, the child must be below compulsory school age, attend sessions that span the lunchtime period, be registered as a pupil of the school, and have a parent or carer who receives a qualifying benefit.
Reception, Year 1 and Year 2
All children in the above year groups automatically receive free school meals through the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme without the need to make an application.
However, if you receive one of the qualifying benefits listed below, we still encourage you to complete this form so we can determine whether your child qualifies for Targeted Free School Meals and whether their school can receive Pupil Premium funding.
Children in Year 3 to Year 11
Please complete this form to check whether they are eligible for Targeted or Expanded Free School Meals.
If eligible, your child will receive free school meals. Children eligible for Targeted Free School Meals will also generate Pupil Premium funding for their school.
Students in Year 12 and Year 13
Students attending a school sixth form may be eligible for free school meals if they meet the below qualifying criteria. If you are applying for a student in Year 12 or Year 13, please complete this form so that we can assess their eligibility. Please note that while eligible sixth form students can receive free school meals, they do not generate Pupil Premium funding.
Students attending further education institutions, such as colleges, must apply for free school meals directly through their college or training provider.
Read the GOV.UK guide on free meals in further education funded institutions for the 2026 to 2027 academic year.
Qualifying benefits
Free school meals are available to pupils in receipt of, or whose parents are in receipt of, one or more of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
A pupil is only eligible to receive a free school meal where both:
- a claim for this support has been made
- their eligibility has been verified by the school where they are enrolled or by the local authority
Households may also be entitled to a meal if they:
- are in receipt of income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- receive the guarantee element of Pension Credit
- meet criteria set out in separate guidance for families with no recourse to public funds
Further information is available in the GOV.UK guidance on free school meals for local authorities, schools, academies and free schools.
No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)
Some families with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) can still get free school meals if they meet the Department for Education's eligibility rules.
Eligibility depends on:
- your immigration status
- your household income
- your individual circumstances
Looked after and previously looked after children or Children with an EHCP
Families with children in care or children with an EHCP still need to meet the qualifying benefits above.
The government directly funds meals for children residing in local authority care homes.
Help with food essentials
Household Support Fund grocery vouchers are no longer available. The scheme ended in March 2026 following a central government decision. Families needing financial support can apply to the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF).
For Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme enquiries, please contact Northamptonshire Sport directly at haf@northamptonshiresport.org.
Contact us
If you have any queries regarding Free School Meals, please contact the Free School Meals Team at fsm@westnorthants.gov.uk.
Last updated 07 October 2026