Who is eligible for free school meals?

If your family receives Universal Credit, your child may be eligible for Free School Meals. 

There are now 2 tiers of Free School Meals available:

• Targeted: If your family is in receipt of Universal Credit and has a total household income of less than £7,400 a year, your child will be eligible for targeted free school meals. They will also be eligible for Pupil Premium.
• Expanded: If your family is in receipt of Universal Credit and has a total household income of more than £7,400 a year, your child will be eligible for expanded free school meals. They will not be automatically eligible for Pupil Premium but may still qualify if they: 
  • Have been in receipt of Free School Meals at any point in the six years prior to 31 August 2026
  • Are designated a Child in Care [Looked After Children (LAC)]
  • Are designated a Previously Looked After Children (PLAC), including those adopted from care or supported through a Special Guardianship Order or Child Arrangements Order 

Families where parents receive support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 or whose immigration status means you have no recourse to public funds (NRPF) may qualify depending on household income level.

You can check eligibility and apply online through Hampshire County Council:

Free School Meals Application

Any parent wishing to check their child’s eligibility for new or continued free school meals on the HC3S online system, please click on the link below:

https://www.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/hants

You will need to enter your name, address, national insurance number or asylum support service number.  In addition, you will need to provide your child’s name, date of birth and identify the school they are attending.

For more information on Pupil Premium and Year 7 Catch Up, please visit the following link:
Pupil Premium Information Page