Free School Meals
Children of families who receive Income Support, Pension Credits or income based Job Seekers Allowance are entitled to free school meals, as are those in receipt of Child Tax Credit (but not Working Tax Credit) if their annual income (assessed by the Inland Revenue) does not exceed £14,495.
Asylum seekers who receive support under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 are also entitled to free school meals.
Most secondary schools operate a cafeteria service where individual items can be bought separately, although a set-price two-course meal is also available. A number of schools now operate a cashless smartcard payment system for buying school meals.
There are also facilities available in all schools for pupils who prefer to bring their own food.
Application forms and further information about free school meals can be obtained directly from schools.
Children, young people and families
