Free School Meals
Applying for Free School Meals
At Kingswood we try to encourage all families entitled to Free School Meals to take up their entitlement. This is for three reasons:
- If a student is entitled, it is clearly in the family's interest. Free School Meals are worth £3.10 per day.
- We operate a cashless catering system that enables children to have their account credited without any other student knowing.
- The school may receive additional funding which allows us to better support your child’s education.
Who is currently eligible?
At present, your child may be eligible if you receive one of the following:
• Universal Credit (within existing income thresholds)
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance
• Child Tax Credit (under specified income limits)
• Support under the Immigration and Asylum Act
The government has announced that eligibility for Free School Meals will expand from September 2026
• Currently, families must meet specific income thresholds (for example, households receiving Universal Credit with income below £7,400 per year).
• From September 2026, all families receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to Free School Meals, regardless of income level.
• Existing protections (where pupils keep meals even if circumstances change) will end at the end of the 2025–2026 academic year, and eligibility will then be reassessed based on the new criteria.
This change means many more families may now qualify for support.
Why it is important to apply
Even if your child already receives meals, applying can:
• Ensure your entitlement continues under the new system
• Enable the school to access additional funding (Pupil Premium) to support your child
• Provide access to other forms of support (e.g. subsidies, trips, wider support)
How to apply (North Northamptonshire Council)
Families must apply through the local authority. The process is quick and can usually be completed online.
Please use the official links below:
Information and eligibility:
Apply for free school meals - GOV.UK
https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/schools-and-education/free-school-meals-and-pupil-premium
• Apply online (Parent Portal):
You will need:
• Your National Insurance number (or NASS number)
• Basic details about your child and their school
Applications are checked securely by the council, and schools are notified once eligibility is confirmed.
Support for families
We strongly encourage all families who may be eligible to apply, even if you are unsure.
If you would like any help with the application process, please contact, ldudley@kingswoodsecondaryacademy.org and we will be happy to support you in complete confidence.
If a child resides in a local authority care home, they will not qualify for free school meals. This is because the government funding has already been allocated to fund their meals.
A child must reside with the applicant to receive free school meals.
If you have No Recourse to Public Funds as part of your immigration status, your child may still be eligible for Free School Meals. There is a separate form to complete which will be handled in the strictest confidence. Please contact Lauren Dudley directly to discuss this and to collect a form.