Free School Meals

Every child has the right to the same opportunities to meet their potential. Free school meals are available to eligible pupils who attend full-time school. This includes Sixth Form Students

Please see the following guidance from Welsh Government regarding eligibility

Free School Meals In Wales Information

The Welsh Government Website says ‘Children and young people, whose parents or carers receive certain benefits, are entitled to free school meals. A child/young person may be eligible for free school meals provided certain eligibility criteria are met. If these criteria are met, the parent must apply for their child to receive free school meals.’

If you are claiming certain benefits, you could save money by claiming free school meals for your child.

Children who attend school in the Vale of Glamorgan and whose parents or carers receive the following benefits are entitled to receive Free School Meals. 

• Income Support
• Income-Based JobSeekers Allowance
• Income-Related Employment Support Allowance
• Guaranteed Pension Credit
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Child Tax Credit where total annual income (as assessed by HMRC) is less than £16,190
• Working Tax Credit 'run-on'
• Working Tax Credit 'run-on' 
• Universal Credit where annual net earnings from employment or self-employment are £7,400 or less (as assessed by the Department for Works and Pensions)

School Essentials Grant:

This grant can be used to help with the following:

• The purchase of school uniforms including coats and shoes
• Uniform for enrichment activities including but not limited to; scouts, guides, cadets, martial arts, sports, performing arts or dance.
• Equipment e.g. school bags and stationery
• Specialist equipment where new curriculum activities begin such as design and technology
• Equipment for out of school hours trips such as outdoor learning e.g. waterproofs
• Laptops or tablets

School Essentials Grant 2026-2027FSM Application Form 2026-2027FSM Application Form 2026-2027 (Welsh Version)

How to apply for free school meals:

Applying for free school meals is a lot easier than you might think. If you think you may be eligible for free school meals you should apply to the LEA using the free school meal application form.

In all cases the actual application for Free school meals and/or a Uniform grant is dealt with by the Vale of Glamorgan Council. Guidance and an application form can be found in the documents above or by visiting the Council’s website https://www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/en/living/schools/Free-School-Meals.asp

Pupils who receive Income Support or Income-Based JobSeekers Allowance or Income-Related Employment Support Allowance in their own right are also eligible to receive free school meals.

You will not qualify for Free School Meals if you are in receipt of Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit and your annual net income from employed or self-employed earnings is over £7,400.