Who can get Free School Meals
Your child may be able to get free school meals if your household received certain benefits.
Eligibility has now changed and more families will qualify. If you receive Universal Credit, your child may become eligible for free school meals even if you were not eligible before.
There are two categories of eligibility:
- Targeted Free School Meals for households receiving Universal Credit with earnings of £7,400 or less.
- Expanded Free School Meals for households receiving Universal Credit but with a household income above this threshold.
If your child previously received free school meals you must reapply to be reassessed, as all transitional protections have now ended. This means that some children may no longer automatically qualify.
It is important to apply and complete any checks when asked to make sure your child continues to receive support.
If you think you might be eligible, apply now to be assessed.
For children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 can receive a free meal at school regardless of household income, if they attend a government funded school. This is called Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM).
You still need to let your child’s school know if you would like to take this up.
Even if your child already gets UIFSM, apply for benefits related free school meals as well if you receive the qualifying benefits. This helps your child’s school access extra funding.
For children in Year 3 and above
Children in Year 3 and above may get free school melas if your household received benefits.
From September 2026, more families will be eligible for free school meals, including all those receiving Universal Credit.
Do not wait. If you think you qualify apply now.
Please note that, currently, all children in Bromley state funded schools will continue to receive a free meal under the Mayor for London scheme.
Why apply for free school meals
If eligible, your family could save hundreds of pounds each year.
School meals are healthy and nutritious and must meet government standards.
Applying may also help your child’s school receive additional funding to support pupils.
Some families will receive free meals only under the expanded eligibility, while others will receive free meals with additional support for the school under the targeted eligibility.
How to apply
The London Borough of Bromley manages the free school meals assessment service for the majority of Bromley maintained schools and academies and families will need to apply through the Council.
The following schools, however, manage their own free school meals processes and families of children attending these schools will need to apply directly to the school.
Secondary schools and academies:
- Harris Academy Beckenham
- Harris Girls Academy Bromley
- Orion Coopers
Primary schools and academies:
- La Fontaine Academy
You will not be entitled to claim free school meals if your child is attending one of the following:
- A part-time nursery of pre-school provision.
- An independent or private school (usually a fee-paying school).
- Is home educated.
You do not need to make a separate application for each child and/or each school, as you can name several children on the same application with their individual details.
When you apply, you will be asked for your full named, your date of birth and your National Insurance number.
If you are a Bromley resident but your child attends a school outside of Bromley, you need to apply for means tested free school meals to the local authority where the school is based.
Free school meals application form
The council aims to process your application within 15 working days of it being submitted, although this may take longer during our busiest periods (between May and October).
Once your application has been assessed we will inform you in writing whether your child is eligible to receive free school meals or not.
When your child changes school you do not need to complete a new application for free school meals, as their eligibility details should be sent by the previous school to the new school as part of their pupil information file.
Other forms of support for your child
If you are seeking any support or assistance with the following matters, you will need to speak to your child’s school, as the Council does not offer any assistance with these types of support:
- Uniform grants or loans
- Access to extra-curricular activities
- Breakfast or before school clubs
- After school clubs
Free school meals team
Admissions and transport
Address: