We are writing to share some positive news regarding Free School Meals (FSM) and to ask for your support with a simple step that directly impacts the funding and resources available to your children.
What Has Changed?
As of September 2026, the rules around Free School Meals have expanded. If your household receives Universal Credit, your children are now eligible to receive a free, hot, nutritious meal at school every day—regardless of your total household earnings.
Even if your child is in Reception, Year 1, or Year 2 (and already receives a meal under the Universal Infant Free School Meal scheme), or if you aren’t sure whether you meet the previous earning thresholds, we strongly encourage you to sign up.
Why Registering Matters (Even for Infant Families)
Free School Meal applications do not happen automatically – each family must register.
When you apply, it does more than secure a daily free meal for your child:
- Direct Funding for Our School: For every family who registers and meets the eligibility criteria, our school receives crucial additional funding called the Pupil Premium (up to £1,550 for primary pupils and £1,100 for secondary pupils every year, for up to six years).
- Support for Learning: This funding goes directly into the classroom to support extra tutoring, classroom support, learning resources, and extracurricular activities.
- Extra Benefits for Families: Registering can also unlock additional support for your family, including access to free holiday activity programs (HAF), school travel support, and free school milk.
Key Deadline: Please Apply Before 2 December 2026
To ensure our school receives the correct funding to support our students for the upcoming academic year, all eligibility checks must be completed and registered on or before 2 December.
How to Apply
Applying is quick, completely confidential, and takes only a few minutes through this link.
There can be a delay in the school being notified of this due to the new process so we’d ask you to complete this form if you have had confirmation that you will receive FSM. Please only fill this in if you have confirmation and not before it is confirmed.
Even if you aren’t certain whether you qualify, submitting an application ensures we don’t miss out on vital funding that directly benefits your child’s education.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Warm regards,
Mr S Longley
XP School Trust