Free School Meals
Helping Every Child Access a Healthy School Meal
At Barnwell Academy, we believe that every child should have access to a healthy, nutritious school meal to support their learning, wellbeing and development.
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free school meal, regardless of their family's financial circumstances. This is known as Universal Infant Free School Meals.
Families with children in other year groups may also be eligible for free school meals, depending on their circumstances.
Who Is Eligible for Free School Meals?
From September 2026, the Government has extended free school meal eligibility to all children whose parents or carers receive Universal Credit, regardless of household income.
Children may also qualify if their parent or carer receives:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guarantee element of Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit, subject to eligibility criteria
- Working Tax Credit run-on
Some families with no recourse to public funds may also qualify, depending on their circumstances.
How to Apply
Applying for free school meals is straightforward and can be completed online through Together for Children's Family Portal.
We encourage all families who think they may be eligible to apply, even if their child is already receiving Universal Infant Free School Meals in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2.
This helps ensure that families receive the support they are entitled to and that the school receives any additional funding for which pupils qualify.
Apply for Free School Meals through Together for Children
For further information or support with your application, contact Together for Children:
Telephone: 0191 561 1417
Email: freeschoolmeals@togetherforchildren.org.uk
Pupil Premium Funding
Supporting Every Child to Achieve Their Potential
Pupil Premium is additional government funding provided to schools to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.
At Barnwell Academy, we use this funding strategically to remove barriers to learning, strengthen teaching and provide additional opportunities that help children achieve their full potential.
How Is Pupil Premium Linked to Free School Meals?
From September 2026, there are two categories of benefits-related free school meals:
Targeted Free School Meals
Children whose families receive Universal Credit and have annual household earnings of £7,400 or less may qualify for Targeted Free School Meals.
These children are eligible for free school meals and may also attract additional Pupil Premium funding for the school.
Expanded Free School Meals
Children whose families receive Universal Credit but have annual household earnings above £7,400 are now entitled to free school meals.
However, eligibility through this expanded entitlement alone does not generate additional Pupil Premium funding.
Children who have previously qualified for Targeted Free School Meals may continue to attract Pupil Premium funding under the Government's Ever 6 arrangements.
Why Is It Important to Apply?
Even if your child already receives a free school meal, registering your eligibility could help Barnwell Academy access valuable additional funding.
This funding helps us to:
- Deliver high-quality teaching and targeted academic support
- Strengthen children's reading, writing and mathematical skills
- Remove barriers to learning and achievement
- Support pupils' wider development and educational experiences
- Ensure disadvantaged pupils have the opportunities and support they need to thrive
We encourage all eligible families to apply so that every child can benefit from the support available.