Free school meals (FSM) are provided to make sure that the most disadvantaged pupils can enjoy a healthy meal.
Eligibility and funding
The following schools must provide FSM to pupils of all ages who meet the eligibility criteria, including pupils in school-based nurseries:
- Maintained schools
- Academies
- Free schools
Since September 2026, this covers all pupils from households receiving Universal Credit, regardless of household earnings (read more about this below).
Entitlement to FSM is not automatic – eligible parents/carers must apply either through the school or the local authority, and their eligibility is then rechecked on an annual basis. Funding for FSM in mainstream schools is normally included in the core budget through the national funding formula (NFF).
In addition to core funding, pupils who are registered for targeted FSM (see below) can attract extra disadvantage funding, in particular through the pupil premium.
Since September 2026, there