Important changes to Free School Meals and school funding

There are important changes to Free School Meals (FSM) and the way schools receive funding to support children from September 2026.

These changes mean that more families will be eligible for Free School Meals, so we encourage all families who think they may be eligible to apply.

What is changing from September 2026?

More families will be eligible for Free School Meals

From the start of the 2026–27 academic year, all children living in households receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to Free School Meals, regardless of household earnings.

This means that many more children may now be eligible for Free School Meals.

What does this mean for Pupil Premium?

Free School Meals and Pupil Premium are linked, but they are not the same thing. 

 

Applying for Free School Meals not only helps ensure that children receive the meals they are entitled to, but can also ensure that eligible children receive the additional support associated with Pupil Premium funding.

 

From September 2026, children receiving Free School Meals will fall into two categories:

• Targeted FSM – children in households receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less. These children will continue to attract Pupil Premium funding for their school.
• Expanded FSM – children in households receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings above £7,400. These children will be entitled to free school meals but will not attract Pupil Premium funding.

This means that it remains very important to apply for Free School Meals if you think your child may be eligible, even if they are already receiving free meals.

What do families need to do?

West Northamptonshire Council has advised that all existing households need to reapply for Free School Meals for the 2026–27 academic year under the new arrangements.

Families should apply if:

• their child has previously received Free School Meals but they have not yet submitted a new application for 2026–27;
• they applied before 1 June 2026; or
• they have never applied before but believe their child may now be eligible.

If you applied on or after 1 June 2026, your application will have been assessed under the new eligibility criteria and you do not need to apply again.

Apply for Free School Meals

Applications can be made through the West Northamptonshire Council website:

Apply for Free School Meals – West Northamptonshire Council

Current Delays 

(Update: 25th August 2026)

West Northamptonshire Council is currently experiencing delays in processing applications due to the high volume of applications received following these changes.

Please be reassured that applications are being processed and will go through. Processing times are currently longer than usual, so there is no need to submit another application if you have already applied.

 

If you have any questions about the changes to Free School Meals, or if you are experiencing any difficulties with the application process, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We understand that the new arrangements may feel confusing, particularly while applications are taking longer to process, and we are very happy to support families wherever we can. In the first instance, please contact our Deputy Headteacher, Ms Emily Healy, at ehealy@nsg.northants.sch.uk.

 

 

THE PUPIL PREMIUM GRANT AND FREE SCHOOL MEALS

This school is committed to closing the attainment gap between disadvantaged students and their peers, our educational aims are the same for all. Evidence demonstrates that great teaching and careful planning can make a huge impact on the outcomes of students in receipt of the Pupil Premium Grant. At NSG we are committed to:

• making our broad and ambitious curriculum accessible to every student.
• ensuring all subject staff know their students well, providing high-quality teaching and learning provision to meet the needs of students whatever their prior attainment.
• implementing additional support and intervention where necessary to assist students in closing the gaps in their learning.
• working closely with parents and carers to keep them informed of their daughter's progress.

Claiming Free School Meals

You may be entitled to free school meals for your child(ren) if you receive one of the following benefits:
1.Income Support
2.Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
3.Child Tax Credit Only (with income up to £16,190) with no element of Working Tax Credit
4.National Asylum Seekers Support
5.Guarantee Element of the State Pension Credit
6.Employment and Support Allowance
7.Universal Credit (Income Related)

Children in nursery schools are eligible if they meet the criteria and attend for full days. Pupils are still eligible for free school meals in school in sixth form, but not sixth form college or further education. If a child is eligible for free school meals, they’ll remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they’re in on 31 March 2022.

Information for Northamptonshire Free School Meals Applications can be found by clicking here.

For the duration of the entitlement to Free School Meals, students receive full financial assistance with cookery and design curriculum costs. Parents are also welcome to apply for financial assistance towards other school activities and resources by completing a Financial Assistance form. A maximum level of financial support will be awarded per eligible student in a single academic year as outlined in the form.

We would like to make it as easy as possible for parents or guardians with disabilities to access school information as well as the school site. If any disabled parent or guardian would like to discuss their needs please contact our SENDCo, Julia Smallman