Free School Meals

Are you eligible for Free School Meals (FSM)?

Because national transitional protections are coming to an end, all current FSM recipients, as well as new applicants, must undergo a new eligibility check before 1st September 2026 to qualify for the 2026/27 academic year.

To qualify for Free School Meal, families must be in receipt of one of the following:

  • Universal Credit (with a household income below the government threshold of £7,400)
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit (provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and your annual household income does not exceed the applicable threshold of £16,190)

Children who receive Free School Meals may also help generate additional funding for the school through the Pupil Premium. We encourage all eligible families to apply.

What is Changing?

Starting September 2026, the Government is widening FSM access. Students from households on Universal Credit will now be entitled to free school meals once their eligibility is verified. Going forward, benefits-related Free School Meals will be split into two distinct categories:

  • Targeted Free School Meals: This applies to families on Universal Credit with annual household net earnings of £7,400 or less (alongside other standard qualifying benefits). This specific group remains connected to Pupil Premium funding and additional targeted school support.
  • Expanded Free School Meals: This is a new category that covers pupils who do not qualify for Targeted FSM, but whose households receive Universal Credit.

Why You Should Apply (Even for Packed Lunches)?

Even if your child prefers to bring a packed lunch, we strongly encourage you to apply. Registering for Targeted Free School Meals secures vital extra Pupil Premium funding and resource support for Olney Infants, directly benefiting your child's education.

Where do I apply?

Check | Online Free School Meal  to see if you qualify for FSM.

Please Note: If you complete your eligibility check before31st August 2026 and your child qualifies, their free school meal entitlement will officially begin on 1st September 2026.