Free School Meals

Important national changes to Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility will come into effect from September 2026. These changes mean that all pupils’ currently eligible must be reassessed. All current FSM eligibility will end on 31st August 2026.

Who is eligible from September 2026?

From September 2026, pupils will qualify for Free School Meals under one of the following categories:

1. Targeted FSM (income‑based)

Your child may be eligible if your household has earned income under £7,400 per year and you receive one of the following benefits:

  • Universal Credit
  • support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Households may also be entitled if they:

  • are in receipt of income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • receive the guarantee element of Pension Credit
  • meet criteria set out in separate guidance for families with no recourse to public funds

Pupils in this group will continue to attract Pupil Premium funding.

2. Expanded FSM (Universal Credit)

Your child will be eligible if your household receives Universal Credit, regardless of income level. Pupils in this group will not attract Pupil Premium funding.

3. Universal Infant Free School Meals

This continues automatically for pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2.

What do you need to do?

If you meet one of the eligibility criteria listed above, please complete a copy of our  Free School Meals Application Form.

Completing the form:

  • ensures your child receives the meals they are entitled to
  • helps the school secure the correct funding
  • supports us in planning for September

If you have children attending different schools, you will need to apply to each school individually.

When will checks take place?

Eligibility checks for the 2026/27 academic year will be submitted to Oxfordshire County Council prior to the summer holiday and pupils confirmed as eligible on or after this date will receive FSM for the full academic year. We will contact you in September to confirm the outcome.

Eligibility rechecks will take place annually using the information provided in the form.

FSM Provision for School Holidays

The Government's Household Support Fund has now ended.

The Council has agreed a new Cost of Living programme which prioritises new spending on projects to support families on low incomes. 

This includes additional funding for the Holiday Activities and Food programme, and the council’s new Family Hubs.  

The Council’s Residents Support Scheme will also continue which can provide one off financial support to households in crisis. 

This can be accessed here: Oxfordshire Residents Support Scheme | Oxfordshire County Council or by calling 01865 804171.

How to apply

If you believe you are eligible and haven’t already done so, please complete the Free School Meals Application Form which will enable us then to run a check to confirm entitlement.

Free School Meals Application Form

When to apply

You should apply when you first start to receive benefit as claims are not backdated. Your eligibility will be reviewed annually. You should notify the school if any changes occur to your eligibility.  For more information, please email our Data Manager Mrs Jacovou: kjacovou@didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk.

 

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