Changes to Free School Meals 18.8.26

18.08.2026

Subject: Changes to Free School Meals in Somerset – Please Apply/Register Online 

Dear Parents and Carers,

We would like to make you aware of important changes to the Free School Meals (FSM) scheme in Somerset from the 2026/27 academic year.

Who is eligible? 

From September 2026, free school meals have been expanded so that all children from households receiving Universal Credit may be eligible for a free school meal, regardless of household earnings. [somerset.gov.uk], [gov.uk] 

There are now two categories of Free School Meals:

• Targeted Free School Meals: for children in households receiving Universal Credit with annual earnings of £7,400 or less. These pupils also attract additional funding and support for schools. [somerset.gov.uk], [gov.uk] 
• Expanded Free School Meals: for children in households receiving Universal Credit whose annual earnings exceed £7,400. [somerset.gov.uk], [gov.uk] 

Children may also qualify if parents or carers receive certain other benefits, including:

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit [somerset.gov.uk] 

Important: All families must register 

Even if your child is already receiving free school meals, you must still register and complete the online application through the Somerset Council portal. This will ensure that your child’s entitlement is correctly recorded and that the school receives any additional funding linked to eligibility where applicable.

How to apply 

Applications should be completed online through Somerset Council’s Free School Meals application portal:

https://www.somerset.gov.uk/children-families-and-education/school-life/free-school-meals/ [somerset.gov.uk] 

To complete an application, you will need:

• Your name and date of birth
• Contact details
• National Insurance Number (or National Asylum Seeker Number, where applicable)
• Your child’s name and date of birth
• Details of the school your child attends or will attend [apply.clou…edu.org.uk]

Why it is important to apply 

Registering for Free School Meals can:

• Provide your child with a free school lunch each day.
• Enable the school to access additional funding to support pupils’ education and wellbeing.
• Help ensure that families receive all support and entitlements available to them.

We encourage all families who receive Universal Credit or any of the qualifying benefits to complete an application as soon as possible.

If you need assistance with the application process, please contact the school office, and we will be happy to help.

Kind regards,

Clare Ousley

Senior Operations Manager