From the start of the 2026-2027 academic year, free school meals eligibility is being expanded to all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit, regardless of household earnings. Free school meals are available to pupils in receipt of, or whose parents are in receipt of, one or more of the qualifying benefits below:

• Universal Credit 
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

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

There will be two qualifying groups for free school meals: 

• Targeted free school meals - households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual earnings of £7,400 or less.  
• Expanded free school meals - pupils who do not qualify for targeted free school meals, but are in households receiving Universal Credit. 

If you are awarded free school meals this will continue to the end of the 2026-2027 academic year, even if you have a change in your circumstances that means you should not qualify for free school meals. All claims will be reviewed ahead of the 2027-2028 academic year. 

Free school meals for children in all households with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) has been permanently extended subject to maximum income thresholds.  More information is available here for children of those who have no recourse to public funds. Families in these groups cannot apply online and should telephone our customer service team to apply.

If you think your child might be entitled to free school meals and milk, please click on the link below to apply and for further information:

Nottinghamshire County Council Free School Meal information

If your child is entitled to Targeted free school meals, as a school,  we also offer you:

• Free school trips
• Free after school clubs
• Half price residentials
• A free Year 6 leaver hoodie