Free School meals
Click on the picture to the left to check if you are eligible
All primary school children in London state schools continue to receive a free school meal every day.
However, if your household receives Universal Credit or another qualifying benefit, it is important that you register your child for Free School Meals, even if they already receive a free school meal.
From September 2026, the Government has expanded its Free School Meals scheme so that children in households receiving Universal Credit are eligible for Free School Meals regardless of household income.
Why is it important to register?
Registering your child for Free School Meals is important because your child may be entitled to additional support and the school may be able to receive additional funding through Pupil Premium.
This funding helps us provide additional support and opportunities for eligible pupils, including:
- free or subsidised school trips and residential visits;
- free or subsidised clubs and activities;
- additional learning support and interventions;
- additional resources and equipment;
- other support to help pupils make the best possible progress.
Registering for Free School Meals may also provide access to other support, including the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, where eligible.
Who may be eligible?
From September 2026, your child may be eligible for Free School Meals if your household receives:
- Universal Credit;
- 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 the relevant eligibility conditions;
- other qualifying support in certain circumstances.
Universal Credit
If your household receives Universal Credit, your child may now be eligible for Free School Meals regardless of your household income.
How do I register?
You can apply for Free School Meals through the London Grid for Learning Free School Meals service: https://fsm.lgfl.net/
Once an application has been submitted, eligibility will be checked and confirmed by the relevant authority.
If you are unsure whether your child is eligible, or you need help with an application, please email: fsm@woodmansterne.london
Already receiving free school meals?
If your child is already registered for Free School Meals, you do not normally need to make a new application simply because the rules have changed.
However, if your circumstances have changed or you are unsure whether your child is correctly registered, please contact the school office.
Further information
Please see the Free School Meals – Information for Families letter below for further information about the changes from September 2026.