Why free school meals matter
Free school meals (FSM) are about far more than a hot lunch. A registered FSM entitlement is the single biggest trigger for additional funding that follows a disadvantaged child through their school career. It underpins the pupil premium, shapes a school’s disadvantage funding, and feeds the data used to plan support, target interventions and measure the impact of your EdTech and teaching strategies.
Because so much funding flows from FSM registration, encouraging eligible families to apply — and keeping records accurate — is one of the most practical things a school can do to protect its income. From 2026 the rules are changing significantly, so it pays to understand what’s coming.
The two new FSM categories
The expansion splits FSM into two categories, and the distinction matters enormously for funding:
- Targeted FSM — children from Universal Credit households earning £7,400 or less a year. These pupils attract pupil premium and disadvantage funding, and they count towards the Ever 6 FSM cohort.
- Expanded FSM — children from Universal Credit households earning above £7,400. These pupils receive a meal, but do not attract pupil premium funding.
In other words, every Targeted FSM pupil is also an Expanded FSM pupil, but only the Targeted group carries the additional money. Schools cannot assume a child qualifies for pupil premium simply because they receive a free meal — the underlying eligibility category is what counts.
Key dates
- 1 June 2026 — a new eligibility checking service launches.
- 1 June – 1 October 2026 — the valid window to recheck eligibility for 2027–2028 funding.
- September 2026 — rechecks must be completed before the autumn term begins.
- End of 2025–2026 — transitional protections expire.
What this means for pupil premium
The pupil premium provides funding to improve outcomes for disadvantaged pupils in state-funded schools in England. It is allocated on pupil counts in two main groups:
- Pupils eligible for FSM, or eligible at any point in the past six years (Ever 6 FSM)
- Children previously looked-after or adopted from care
From 2026–2027 the Ever 6 FSM cohort is based on Targeted FSM only — so the new Expanded category does not feed pupil premium. Pupils who become eligible for the first time through Expanded FSM will not attract pupil premium funding. Those already registered keep their eligibility for six years even if circumstances change.
Pupil premium rates (2026–2027)
| Category | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|
| Ever 6 FSM | £1,550 | £1,100 |
| Previously looked-after children | £2,690 | £2,690 |
| Service pupils | £360 | £360 |
Newly eligible pupils also bring mainstream schools £505 a year per pupil (pro rata to roughly £295 for September 2026 to March 2027).
Understanding the changes
This short video walks through the free school meals expansion and what it means in practice for schools and families. It’s a useful primer to share with colleagues and governors as you prepare for the new eligibility process.
Practical steps for schools
- Encourage every eligible family to register, even where they may fall into the Expanded category — accurate data protects funding and supports planning.
- Plan for the recheck window between 1 June and 1 October 2026, and complete checks before the autumn term.
- Brief your team on the Targeted vs Expanded distinction so pupil premium is recorded correctly.
- Review how you use the data — FSM and pupil premium information should inform how you target support, including the technology and interventions you fund.