Ensuring every child has access to the best possible education is at the heart of what we do. Free School Meals and Pupil Premium funding play an important role in helping us support pupils and their families.
Free School Meals can save your household up to £418 per child, per year.
By applying, your child’s school may also receive £1,300 in Pupil Premium funding, which is used to enhance learning opportunities, provide additional support, and improve overall educational outcomes.
Even if your child prefers to bring a packed lunch, completing the application ensures the school receives the funding they are entitled to.
Your child may qualify for Free School Meals and Pupil Premium if you or your partner receive any of the following:
Universal Credit
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
Support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Child Tax Credit (provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and your annual household income is £16,190 or less)
Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for four weeks after eligibility for Working Tax Credit ends)
When you submit a Free School Meals application, you are also applying for Pupil Premium on behalf of your child’s school.
If you are unsure whether your child qualifies, we encourage you to apply - many families are eligible without realising it.
Applications are made through Bolton Council’s Free School Meals service, and you will receive an instant decision. The council will then notify the school directly.