Free school meals

All children in reception, year 1 and year 2 automatically receive free school meals. In addition, as part of the Mayor of London’s initiative, all children in state-funded primary schools in London, regardless of household income or benefit status, are eligible for free school meals during the 2025/26 academic year. This programme aims to support families with the cost of living and ensure every child has access to a nutritious meal. You will still need to complete a free school meals application form, as this may enable the school to access additional funding called Pupil Premium, which helps support your child’s education.

For children who attend secondary school or primary outside London (Year 3 and above), free school meals are available if you receive one of the following benefits:
• Income support
• Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part IV of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (provided you're not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
• Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.

How do I apply?
Applications should be made directly to the local authority where your child’s school is located.
If your child attends The Aldgate School, you can apply using the following link: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/fsm

Contact:
For further information call 020 7332 1002, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm or email the team: EEYService@cityoflondon.gov.uk