Thousands more children in Devon County Council and Torbay Council regions will now automatically receive free school meals, eliminating the need for families to apply for this support. Approximately 1,300 pupils who were previously entitled to free school meals but were not receiving them will benefit from this change. Cornwall Council is also planning to implement automatic enrollment for free school meals starting in September 2026, benefiting an additional 1,800 children.
Eligibility for free school meals varies based on the UK region, the child’s age, and household benefits claims. In England, children in reception class, year 1, and year 2 are eligible for free school meals. Currently, eligibility for free school meals in England is linked to claiming certain benefits, such as Universal Credit with an annual income below £7,400 after tax, excluding benefits.
However, starting from the 2026/27 academic year, every child whose family is claiming Universal Credit will automatically receive free school meals regardless of household income. The Department for Education will provide detailed guidance before September 2026. Different regions in the UK have varying policies regarding free school meals, with Scotland offering them to primary one to primary five children, Wales providing free meals to all primary school pupils, and Northern Ireland requiring parents to apply for free school meals if they are claiming benefits.
If a child does not qualify for free school meals automatically, parents may apply if they meet specific benefit criteria until the child turns 18. Additionally, those eligible for free school meals may also be entitled to additional assistance, such as grants for school uniform and trips.