Free School Meals
Important changes from September 2026
From September 2026, Free School Meal eligibility has changed.
Children in households receiving Universal Credit may now qualify for Free School Meals regardless of household earnings.
The previous transitional protections that applied to some families ended at the end of the 2025 to 2026 academic year. Eligibility is now assessed based on your family's current benefit status.
Read the below to find out more.
What are the benefits of Free School Meals?
- You could save more than £450 a year per child.
- You save time making packed lunches.
- Your child receives a healthy, nutritious cooked meal each day.
- Children often achieve more when they have enjoyed a healthy lunch.
- Some children may also be eligible for additional support through Targeted Free School Meals, including Pupil Premium funding for the school and access to programmes such as Coventry Holiday Activities and Food.
Who is eligible for Free School Meals?
From September 2026, there are two types of Free School Meal eligibility.
Targeted Free School Meals are available to households receiving Universal Credit with earnings of £7,400 a year or less. Children eligible under this category receive free school meals and may also qualify for additional support such as Pupil Premium and Holiday Activities and Food.
Expanded Free School Meals are available to all other households receiving Universal Credit, regardless of earnings. Children eligible under this category receive free school meals but do not qualify for Pupil Premium or other benefits linked to Targeted Free School Meals.
Families with No Recourse to Public Funds may also be eligible for Targeted Free School Meals under separate eligibility criteria.
How do you apply for Free School Meals?
You can apply directly through Coventry City Council using the following link:
If your application is successful, the Local Authority will notify you by email or letter.
How do Free School Meals work?
The daily Free School Meal allowance is added to your child's account each day.
Students can choose to spend their allowance at either break time or lunchtime. The allowance cannot be split across both sittings.
How much do students receive?
Students receive a daily allowance of £2.50.
Any unused allowance is cleared at the end of each day and does not roll over. If you would like your child to spend more than the daily allowance, you can add money to their account using MCAS.
Do I need to tell the school if my child is granted Free School Meals?
In most cases, you do not need to let us know. The school receives regular updates from Coventry City Council and will apply your child's entitlement automatically.
However, if you have recently received confirmation that your child has been awarded Free School Meals, you are welcome to send us a copy of your confirmation letter or email, as this may help us apply the entitlement more quickly.
What if I'd rather give my child a packed lunch?
Your child does not have to have a school meal if they would prefer to bring a packed lunch.
However, if you are eligible, we would still encourage you to apply for Free School Meals, as children who qualify for Targeted Free School Meals may help the school receive additional funding through Pupil Premium to further support pupils.
My child is moving from a different school. What do I need to do?
Please let Coventry City Council know that your child is changing schools. This helps ensure their entitlement is transferred correctly and avoids any delays.
You can report a change in circumstances here:
How to report a change in circumstance
I am a No Recourse to Public Funds household. How do I apply?
The application process for families with No Recourse to Public Funds is different from the standard application process.
Please contact the school directly and we will be happy to advise you on the application process and eligibility criteria.
