Pupil Premium
The Pupil Premium is an allocation of additional funding provided to schools to support specific groups of children who are vulnerable to possible underachievement.
These include pupils who are entitled to free school meals, those looked after by the local authority and the children of armed service personnel.
All schools are required to report on the amount of funding received, how this is being used and what impact it has had upon pupil progress.
Pupil Premium Strategy and Impact Review 25-26
DO I QUALIFY?
Changes in eligibility for Free School Meals from September 2026
There have been some important national changes to Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility, which will take effect from September 2026.
We want to make sure that we are providing all children with the best education and support we can. Healthy school food can help children establish healthy habits for life and improve their readiness to learn.
What is changing?
From September 2026, all children in households receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to free school meals, regardless of household income.
This means the current income cap of £7,400 per year will be removed, and many more families may now qualify.
Free school meals can save families up to around £495 per child each year, while ensuring children receive a healthy meal during the school day.
Different types of support
There will be two levels of eligibility:
- Targeted Free School Meals
Families on lower incomes (for example, those receiving Universal Credit below £7,400 or certain other benefits) will continue to receive:
- Free school meals
- Additional support for the school through Pupil Premium funding
- Access to holiday activities and food programmes
- Expanded Free School Meals
Families receiving Universal Credit with higher earnings will now also qualify for:
- Free school meals
However, this group will not attract additional funding or access to the holiday programme.
What you need to do
To receive free school meals under the new system:
You must apply (or reapply) from 1 June 2026, even if your child currently receives free school meals
Please submit an application for each child. Applications can be made via your local authority’s online system using the link below.
https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/free-school-meals
We strongly encourage all families receiving Universal Credit to apply, even if you think you may not qualify.
Important information for younger children
Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will continue to receive universal infant free school meals. However, if you receive qualifying benefits, we still encourage you to apply, as this may unlock additional support for your child and school.
Why this matters
Registering for free school meals not only supports your child directly, but can also provide additional funding to the school, helping us to further support pupils’ learning and wellbeing.
If you have any questions or would like support with your application, please contact the school office by email or telephone.
Alternatively, you could contact the council’s Free School Meals team:
Email: freeschoolmeals@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01305221090
DISADVANTAGE CHARTER
PRELOVED UNIFORM
FREE SCHOOL MEALS
Please click on the following link to check your eligibility for Free School Meals.
