Pupil Premium
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Changes to Free School Meals and Pupil Premium – September 2026
Important information for families
From September 2026, there are important changes to the way Free School Meals (FSM) and Pupil Premium eligibility work. These changes may affect whether your child is entitled to free school meals and whether their school receives additional Pupil Premium funding.
From September 2026, families will need to meet the new eligibility criteria for their child to continue receiving Free School Meals.
There are three types of Free School Meal entitlement
Targeted Free School Meals
Children whose families meet the relevant low-income criteria will be entitled to Targeted Free School Meals.
For families receiving Universal Credit, the Targeted FSM category applies where annual household earnings are £7,400 or less.
Children eligible for Targeted FSM:
- Receive free school meals;
- Attract Pupil Premium funding for their school; and
- May be eligible for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
Expanded Free School Meals
From September 2026, all children living in households receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to free school meals, regardless of household earnings.
However, children receiving Expanded Free School Meals where household earnings are above the Targeted FSM threshold do not attract Pupil Premium funding and are not eligible for the HAF programme.
This means that receiving Free School Meals does not necessarily mean that your child's school will receive Pupil Premium funding.
Universal Infant Free School Meals
Universal Infant Free School Meals remain unchanged.
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 continue to receive free school meals, regardless of their family's financial circumstances.
Why is applying for Pupil Premium important?
Pupil Premium is additional government funding provided to schools to support eligible pupils.
Schools can use this funding to provide additional support and opportunities, which may include learning support, educational resources, enrichment activities, attendance support and other measures designed to help children make progress.
If your family receives Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits, you may be eligible for Pupil Premium.
Even if your child already receives free school meals, it is important to complete an application if you have not done so previously. Free School Meal entitlement and Pupil Premium eligibility are not the same thing under the new arrangements.
How do I apply in Milton Keynes?
Families living in Milton Keynes can apply for Free School Meals through Milton Keynes City Council.
You can check your eligibility and apply online using the council's Free School Meals application service:
Apply for Free School Meals – Milton Keynes City Council
Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children receive free school meals at no cost to you. This is a universal entitlement for all infant aged children
Milton Keynes City Council states that an application must be made and eligibility verified by the school or local authority before Free School Meal entitlement can be awarded.
Your application matters
By applying, you can help ensure that:
- your child receives the correct Free School Meal entitlement;
- your child is identified as eligible for Pupil Premium where applicable;
- our school receives the Pupil Premium funding it is entitled to; and
- We can use this additional funding to provide support and opportunities for eligible pupils.
If you think your family may be eligible, please apply as soon as possible.
If you have any questions about Free School Meals or Pupil Premium, please contact the school office or visit the Milton Keynes City Council website for further information.