Free School Meals

Check if you can apply

Children can get free school meals, if their parents or guardians get:

• Universal Credit income below £7,400.00.
  • As well as Free School Meals, these pupils will still bring pupil premium and other disadvantage funding to their school now known as Targeted Qualifying Criteria.
• Universal Credit income above £7,400.00.
  • These pupils will be entitled to Free School Meals only, known as Expanded Qualifying Criteria.
• Income Support
• Job Seeker's Allowance (income based)
• Employment and Support Allowance
• Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
• Support payments under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Note: You can get free school meals at 16-18 years old, if:

• you are still at school, and
• you get Income Support or income based Jobseeker's Allowance yourself

Nursery children

If your child attends a school-based nursery or maintained nursery school they may be eligible for free school meals. The child must be receiving education both before and after the lunch period, and their parent/guardian must be in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits listed above.

(Private day nurseries, playgroups, pre-schools, childminders, independent schools are not eligible for free school meals)

How long will my child get Free School Meals for?

If your child receives Free School Meals, the award will continue until July 2027. This applies regardless of any changes to your income.

How to apply

Apply for Free School Meals

You cannot apply online if:

• your child goes to a school outside the Bradford district (you must apply to that local authority instead)
• your child goes to one of the following:
  • Appleton Academy
  • Bradford Academy
  • Co-op Academy Parkland
  • Oasis Academy
  • St John’s CofE Primary
  • Bingley Grammar

In these cases, contact the school to apply.

If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2

All children in these year groups get Free School Meals.

You should still apply if you receive a qualifying benefit. This can help you get extra support, such as:

• help with school trips
• help with travel costs
• help with school uniforms
• support with music lessons

Do children have to take the meal?

No, your child does not have to take a school meal.