Free School Meals

For the new school year starting in September 2026, there will be two categories of free school meal eligibility depending on your financial circumstances:

• Targeted free school meals for those getting Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less, or another qualifying benefit
• Expanded free school meals for anyone getting Universal credit whose annual earnings are above £7,400.

Households in both categories will benefit from the financial savings of getting free school meals.

Households who fall into the targeted category will get access to additional benefits:

• Holiday activities and food (HAF) programme is for children aged 4 to 16 in reception to year 11 in receipt of benefits-related free school meals in the targeted category. HAF offers eligible pupils access to activities and at least one healthy meal is provided during each session. The activities take place during the Easter, summer, and Christmas school holidays
• Pupil premium is extra funding paid directly to schools for each pupil who is eligible for free school meals in the Targeted category. It can help to fund valuable teaching and learning support to improve pupil’s education.

Find out more and how to apply on the Warwickshire County Council website.