Free School Meals
Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- 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)
- Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
- 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)
From September 2026, the Department of Education are changing the eligibility criteria for Free School Meals. Over half a million additional pupils will become eligible for Free School Meals under the new eligibility criteria. The change means that all households receiving Universal Credit, above the current £7,400 income cap, will also qualify for this support.
Beyond the financial benefits, this programme ensures children receive nutritious meals during school hours, which supports their learning and concentration in the classroom, physical health and development and overall wellbeing.
If you think that your child/children may be eligible for free school meals, please submit the information online using the link below or ask the school office for a paper copy of the ‘Free school meal entitlement checker’. If you have more than one child at High Ongar you can include all children on one form.
The transitional protections that are currently in place will no longer apply from the end of this school year, 2025/26. Therefore, these requirements also apply to those families already in receipt of free school meals.
Infants will continue to receive free school meals under the Universal Infant Free School Meals programme. However, by confirming your child’s entitlement to free school meals, even if they are in reception, year 1 or year 2, it enables the school to claim extra Pupil Premium funding to provide targeted academic support, enrichment and reduce costs for parents towards school trips and events.
If you think you are or may be eligible for any of the above benefits in the coming year please complete this online application form.
