Thousands of additional children will now receive free school meals, ensuring they do not miss out on essential support. Previously, families in Devon County Council and Torbay Council regions had to apply for free school meals, but now eligible children will automatically receive this assistance. This change will benefit around 1,300 pupils who were entitled to free school meals but were not receiving them before.
Moreover, Cornwall Council plans to implement automatic enrollment for free school meals starting in September 2026, benefiting an additional 1,800 children. Eligibility for free school meals varies based on location within the UK, the child’s age, and household benefit claims. In England, children in reception class, year 1, or year 2 are eligible for free school meals.
For families claiming Universal Credit, the income threshold of £7,400 a year to qualify for free school meals will be eliminated from the 2026/27 academic year. Moving forward, all children from families receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for free school meals regardless of household income. Further guidance will be provided by the Department for Education before September 2026. In London, primary school children receive free school meals up to age 11.
In Scotland, children from primary one to primary five are eligible for free school meals, while in Wales, all primary school pupils receive free school meals. In Northern Ireland, parents claiming benefits must apply for free school meals as they are not automatically granted. Children attending private schools typically do not receive free school meals.
If your child does not meet the automatic eligibility criteria mentioned above, you may still be able to apply for free school meals if you claim certain benefits until they reach age 18. Additionally, claiming free school meals may entitle you to other forms of assistance, such as grants for school uniform and educational trips.