Free School Meals
Changes to Free School Meals, May 2026
Who is Eligible for Free School Meals (FSM)?
From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, the Department for Education (DfE) are expanding Free School Meals (FSM) eligibility to all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit regardless of household earnings. Free school meals are available to pupils in receipt of, or whose parents are in receipt of, one or more of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
A pupil is only eligible to receive a free school meal where both:
- a claim for this support has been made
- their eligibility has been verified by the school where they are enrolled or by the local authority
Households may also be entitled to a meal if they:
- are in receipt of income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- receive the guarantee element of Pension Credit
- meet criteria set out in separate guidance for families with no recourse to public funds
New Free School Meal Claims
Many families will become eligible for the first time under the expanded FSM criteria. Our online checking system is available to all families to check their child(rens) eligibility.
End of Transitional Protection
Transitional protections for free school meals have been in effect since 1 April 2018. This has meant that pupils becoming eligible for free meals under the benefits-based criteria have retained their entitlement, even if their household circumstances have changed. From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, transitional protections for free school meals will end. Households must meet the FSM eligibility criteria from the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year to continue receiving provision.
What’s Next?
Parents of children who are currently/have been in receipt of free school meals are strongly advised to use our online checking system between 1st June and 17th July 2026 to provide school with an updated eligibility check.
FSM Check Outcomes
- Found – If the check is returned as ‘Found’ (eligible), FSM provision will continue to be awarded for the whole 2026/27 academic year.
- Not Found – If the check is returned as ‘Not Found’ (ineligible), FSM provision will not be awarded for the 2026/27 academic year. Current eligibility will end on 31st August 2026.
- The school cannot award FSM if a check isn’t completed by a parent. FSM will not continue into the 2026/27 academic year.
How Do I Check for Free School Meal Eligibility?
We have partnered with ESS to provide an online portal for parents to check their child(rens) Free School Meal eligibility. Parents & school will get an immediate response regarding FSM eligibility after the check has been completed.
To complete an application, you will need to provide:
- Parental name and date of birth
- Contact details
- National Insurance Number or National Asylum Seekers Number
- Child’s name and date of birth
- School name: The Deanery Church of England High School and Sixth Form College
Make a record of your completed-check reference number.
Alternatively, parents can apply for Free School Meals via Wigan Council here. When you apply you will get an instant decision on your claim. The council will contact the school to confirm your child’s eligibility.
Drop-In Sessions
Staff will be present to assist with the FSM checking system and additional queries. Arrive at school reception.
Wednesday 24th June 2026, 15:30 to 17:00
Wednesday 1st July 2026, 9:00 to 10:30
Wednesday 15th July 2026, 15:30 to 17:00
