Thousands of additional children will now receive free school meals to ensure 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 eligible children will now be automatically enrolled to receive this assistance. Approximately 1,300 pupils who were entitled to free school meals but were not receiving them before will now benefit from this program. Cornwall Council is also planning 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 the UK region, the child’s age, and the household’s benefits claims. In England, children in reception class, year 1, and year 2 receive free school meals. However, for older children, eligibility is determined by specific benefits, including Universal Credit. Currently, to qualify for free school meals under Universal Credit, the household income must be below £7,400 annually after tax and excluding benefits. This requirement is expected to be eliminated from the 2026/27 academic year, ensuring that every child whose family receives Universal Credit will automatically qualify for free school meals regardless of income.
The Department for Education will issue detailed guidance before September 2026. In London, primary school children receive free school meals until the age of 11. In Scotland, children from primary one to primary five are eligible for free school meals, while in Wales, all primary school pupils receive this benefit. In Northern Ireland, parents claiming benefits must apply for free school meals as they are not automatically provided. Children attending private schools typically do not receive free school meals.
For families whose children do not automatically qualify for free school meals based on the mentioned criteria, there may be an option to apply if they claim specific benefits until their child turns 18. Additional assistance, such as grants for school uniform and trips, may also be available to those receiving free school meals.