Free School Meals
Free School Meals Eligibility and Registration
From September 2026 more children will be able to get Free School Meals!
Over Summer 2025, the Local Authority has rechecked the eligibility of all pupils who were previously eligible for Free School Meals ahead of their return to school in September 2026.
If your child has not been receiving a free school meal, they may now be eligible so please read the information below.
From September 2026, the Government is extending eligibility for Free School Meals. This means that more families may now qualify for support, even if they have not previously been eligible.
If your family receives Universal Credit, your child will be entitled to a free, nutritious school meal every day!
From September 2026, ALL children whose family receive Universal Credit will be entitled to free school meals (the current £7,400 household income cap is being removed).
Why Should I apply?
Applying means your child can receive a free, healthy meal every school day, supporting their health, well being and learning.
Families who receive Universal Credit could save up to £495 per year for each child on school lunches!
Even if your child sometimes chooses packed lunches, registering still matters. It helps schools understand what support pupils may need and can unlock other help.
Will this affect me or my child negatively?
No, applying for free school meals:
-
Does not affect your benefits or immigration status
-
Does not mean your child has to take a school meal if they do not want to
-
Does not label or single out your child (schools treat this information confidentially)
-
Does not reduce support for other pupils
How do I apply?
You will need to apply if your child did not received free school meals in 2025-2026
Applying usually only takes a few minutes by visiting www.lancashire.gov.uk/schools and by clicking on free school meals
We encourage all families to take a few minutes to check their eligibility — this support can make a real difference.
Free school meals at school
If your child is entitled to free school meals, they will have a daily allowance of £2.50 (from September 2025) to spend with our catering service.
If the pupil wishes to purchase food costing more than the daily allowance they will have to pay the difference from their Arbor Dinner Money account.