As from 1st September 2026 the eligibility for Free School Meals will change, if you are a Sefton resident and in receipt of one of the following benefits you may be eligible for Free School Meals:-
- Universal Credit – income below £7400
- Universal Credit – income above £7400
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, there will be 2 categories for free school meals - Targeted and Expanded:
Eligible Targeted: this covers children in households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less. These children will attract pupil premium and other funding available for their schools. Other entitlements, such as the holiday activities and food programme (HAF) and the ‘extended rights’ element of school travel assistance, will be based on targeted free school meals. This is equivalent to the current system.
Eligible Expanded: this covers children who are in households receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings above £7,400. Children will be entitled to free school meals only – they are not entitled to Pupil Premium or other extra’s that are linked to FSM eligibility.
How to make an application
If you are on a qualifying benefit as shown above and do not already receive free school meals, please make application as soon as possible by using the 'Do it online' link on Sefton Council's website here.
Please don’t apply if your children are already in receipt of Free School Meals, however if you have a child starting school, please apply so we can ensure they are added to your current record.
Further information is available on the Sefton Council website via the link below:
If you are unsure about any of the information please do not hesitate to speak to us at school.