Free School Meals
A healthy school meal supports children’s wellbeing, concentration, and readiness to learn. At St. George’s Church of England Primary School, we are committed to making sure that every child who is eligible for a free school meal can access one with dignity and without worry.
Who can get free school meals?
Your child may be entitled to free school meals if you receive one of the following:
- Universal Credit, with an annual household income of less than £7,400 (after tax and not including benefits).
- Income Support.
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
- The guarantee element of Pension Credit.
- Child Tax Credit (if you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and your income is below £16,190).
- Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying).
If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2, they will automatically receive a free school meal under the Government’s Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme, regardless of household income.
Important: Even if your child receives a free meal through the infant scheme, we encourage all families who may be eligible for benefits-related free school meals to apply. This ensures your child’s entitlement is protected and allows the school to access additional funding (Pupil Premium) to support learning.
No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)
Some families cannot access certain public funds because of their immigration status. This is known as No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF).
The Government has extended free school meal eligibility to some children in NRPF families, provided household income is below specific thresholds and immigration status is within certain groups:
- Zambrano carers
- Families with NRPF who have the right to remain in the UK under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (private and family life)
- Families receiving support under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989, who also have an NRPF restriction
- A subset of failed asylum seekers receiving support under Section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Chen carers
- Families holding a British National (Overseas) [BN(O)] passport
- Spousal visa holders
- Work visa holders
- Student visa holders
- Individuals with no immigration status at al
Applications from NRPF families are treated with the utmost confidentiality. Sharing your details with us will not affect your immigration status or future applications.
How to apply
- Complete our Free School Meal application form: Online FSM Application
- Provide the required evidence (for example, a benefits letter or income details to the school office.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, please speak with us in confidence and we will support you through the process.
Additional benefits of applying
When you register for free school meals, the school receives additional funding called Pupil Premium. This funding allows us to provide extra support, resources, and opportunities for your child and others. Applying benefits not only your family but also strengthens the education and care we can offer across the school.
Where to get help
If you have any questions about free school meals or NRPF eligibility, please contact the school office. We will be happy to help you with applications or discuss your circumstances confidentially.