Free school meals

Find out if your child is eligible for free school meals and how to apply for them.

Who is eligible for free school meals

You don't have to pay for school meals if your child is in:

  • Reception
  • Year 1
  • Year 2

From Year 3 onwards, you'll then have to pay for school meals, unless you:

  • receive benefits, tax credits or other financial support
  • are a family with no recourse to public funds (NRPF)

Find out more about eligibility for free school meals on GOV.UK

More information and support

If you have any questions, or need advice on making an application, contact the Free School Meals team. You can also get help with filling out the forms on the next pages, and a PDF version of the form if you can't apply online.