Free School Meals Eligibility Changes

There have been important changes to Free School Meals (FSM) eligibility from the start of the 2026-27 academic year.

What has changed?

• Eligibility for benefits-related Free School Meals has been expanded to include all children and young people living in households that receive Universal Credit.
• Transitional protection ended on 31 July 2026. Since April 2018, transitional protection meant that pupils who became eligible for Free School Meals continued to receive them even if their household circumstances changed. This protection no longer applies.

If your child currently receives Free School Meals

As a result of these changes, all pupils currently receiving Free School Meals need to have their eligibility reviewed.

Please use the online Free School Meals checker to confirm your child's eligibility:

Free School Meals Eligibility Checker
https://fsm.lgfl.net/

If you have previously used the system, please select "View Previous Check" where appropriate.

Please note that if you recently applied through North Somerset Council, you will now need to complete a new eligibility check using the link above.

If you are not currently registered for Free School Meals

We encourage all families to check whether they may now be eligible under the new arrangements.

Free School Meals provide eligible pupils with a free school lunch each day and may also enable the school to receive additional funding through the Pupil Premium, helping us provide further support and opportunities for children.

You can check your eligibility here:

Free School Meals Eligibility Checker
https://fsm.lgfl.net/

Updating School Records

We are currently updating our records and making any necessary changes to services, including Select Lunch, for families who become newly eligible for Free School Meals.

 

Further Information

For further information about the national changes to Free School Meals eligibility, please visit:

Lighthouse Schools Partnership
https://www.lsp.org.uk/fsm-changes

If you have any questions or require support with the application process, please do not hesitate to contact the school. We will be happy to help.