Free School Meals
If your child has already received free school meals, you must apply again before 1st September 2026 so your child can keep on receiving them.
Free school meals can help your child by:
- Helping them focus and learn
- Teaching them to eat healthy food
- Giving them good food every day
- Letting them join free holiday activities
- Giving the school extra money to help your child learn
Free School Meals
Many of us will be affected by the current cost of living crisis. We want to help and make sure you know what support you can get.
Your child might be able to get free school meals.
Even if your child does not claim the free school meal, the school still gets extra money to support their education if you apply.
From September 2026, there will be two groups who can get free school meals.
- Targeted group This is for families on Universal Credit who earn less than £7,400 a year or get other benefits. These families may get extra help, such as access to free holiday activities.
- Expanded group This is for families on Universal Credit who earn more than £7,400. These families will get free school meals only.
From 1 September 2026, all children whose parents or carer gets Universal Credit can get free school meals.
If your child has already received free school meals, you must apply again before 1st September 2026 so your child can keep on receiving them.
You can check if your family is eligible and apply from 1 June 2026.
You can apply online with Dorset Council: Apply for free school meals – Dorset Council
If you need help, please contact
freeschoolmeals@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
They will give you help and any information you provide will be confidential and not shared with the school.