Free School Meals
National updates from the Department for Education regarding Free School Meals (FSM) will take effect from September 2026.
These changes mean that more families will qualify for free meals, whilst the system for checking existing claims is changing.
What is changing?
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Expanded Eligibility
This scheme was expanded so that, from September 2026, all families in receipt of University Credit are now entitled to receive free school meals. If you were previously told you earned too much to qualify under University Credit, you will now be eligible.
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Ending of Transitional Protections
Local Authorities must now re-check existing claims against current income criteria.
What do you need to do?
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If your child does not currently receive free school meals, but you receive Universal Credit:
Apply now. You are likely eligible. Applying not only provides free meals for your child, but also allows your school to benefit from vital extra funding (Pupil Premium) to continue to support your child's education.
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If your child already receives free school meals:
You do not need to apply. The Local Authority will already be reviewing existing claims using current data to confirm ongoing eligibility for September. Only take action if the council contacts you directly to say your entitlement has changed.
How to apply
Apply via the Hull City Council website here.
Newland offers a free school meals service to ensure that all of our students are able to enjoy a good quality, nutritious meal during the school day regardless of their circumstances.
Parents and carers can claim free school meals for their child or children if they are in receipt of one of the following:
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Income Support
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income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
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income-related Employment and Support Allowance
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support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
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the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
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Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
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Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
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Universal Credit – if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
If you qualify for free school meals not only will your child receive free meals, but our school will receive additional funding too.
To apply for free school meals the person who receives the qualifying benefit should complete the online application form.
www.hullcc.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals
Alternatively here is the free school meals application form or you can call the school to have a form posted to you.
The form can then be posted to Hull City Council’s education welfare and benefits team at the Municipal Buildings, Trippett Street, Hull, HU2 8AA. Alternatively, you can hand your form into the school, who will send it off for you.
For more information about free school meals at Newland, call (01482) 343098 or read our Free School Meals Information pdf to get more details about the program.