Thousands more children in Devon County Council and Torbay Council regions will now receive free school meals automatically, eliminating the need for families to apply for the support. This change means approximately 1,300 eligible pupils who were previously not benefiting from free school meals will now have access to this assistance.
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 the child’s location in the UK, age, and household benefits. Children in England in reception class, year 1, or year 2 are eligible for free school meals.
The criteria for receiving free school meals include claiming specific benefits like Universal Credit, with an income threshold of under £7,400 annually after tax, excluding benefits. However, starting from the 2026/27 academic year, the income requirement will be removed. Every child whose family claims Universal Credit will be entitled to free school meals regardless of household income.
Further guidance on these changes will be provided by the Department for Education before September 2026. Notably, primary school children in London receive free school meals up to age 11. In Scotland, children in primary one to primary five receive free school meals, while all primary school pupils in Wales are entitled to them.
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 those who do not qualify automatically, there is a possibility to apply for free school meals by claiming specific benefits until the child reaches age 18.
Additionally, eligibility for free school meals may entitle families to additional support such as grants for school uniform and trips.