Free School Meals

We encourage all parents and carers to check whether their child is eligible for Free School Meals.

Applying only takes a few minutes and could save your family money while helping our school receive additional funding that benefits all pupils.

Even if your child prefers to bring a packed lunch, please still apply if you are eligible — the school receives extra support for every successful application through the Pupil Premium.

Who can get Free School Meals?

From September 2026 the Department for Education is introducing new benefit criteria which will mean that all children from households in receipt of universal credit will be entitled to receive a free school meal.

There are two categories of benefits-based free school meals, known as ‘Targeted FSM’ and 'Expanded FSM’.

Targeted FSM

• Covering pupils who are in households in receipt of universal credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less
• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Households may also be entitled to a meal if they:

• Are in receipt of income-related employment and support allowance
• Receive the guaranteed element of pension credit
• Meet criteria set out in separate guidance for families with no recourse to public funds
  

Expanded FSM

A new category covering meals only, for pupils who don't qualify for targeted FSM, but who are in households receiving universal credit.

For pupils who qualify under the targeted FSM or expanded FSM criteria, eligibility for free meals will be kept under regular review through annual re-checks, ahead of the start of each academic year. 

Local Authority information can be found here:  Shropshire Council Free School Meals 

Shropshire Council awards free school meals to families who receive the qualifying incomes, with children who attend a Shropshire Council school full time.

If you receive working tax credits, you do not qualify for free school meals.

Further Information

For further information please contact Shropshire council on either of the following:
Email: fsm@shropshire.gov.uk

Phone: 0345 678 9008
You can apply online for Free School Meals directly with Shropshire Council here...

Why You Should Apply

• Save hundreds of pounds per year on school meals

• Additional school funding to support teaching, resources and enrichment opportunities

• Quick, confidential process

• No impact on other benefit

Need Help?

If you need support completing the application or are unsure whether you qualify, please contact the school office — we’re happy to help. Email reception@belvidereschool.co.uk or telephone 01743 235073