Free School Meals In London

All children in state-funded primary schools in London can receive a free school lunch. This is funded by the Mayor of London.

This means your child can have a healthy meal at school every day at no cost to you.

For many families, this can save around £480–£500 per child each year.

Why It Is Still Important To Apply

Even though all primary children receive a free lunch, some families are still eligible for means-tested Free School Meals.

When eligible families apply, the school receives additional government funding to support children’s learning and well-being.

We can only receive this extra funding if families complete the application form.

This funding helps us provide additional resources, support and opportunities for children across the school.

Applying does not affect your child in any negative way. It is confidential and handled with care.

How To Apply

Applying is simple.

You can apply online here. 

You can also return completed forms to the school office or send them by email.

If you need help completing the form, please contact us. We are here to support you.

Why A Healthy School Lunch Matters

A nutritious meal at lunchtime supports children’s health, learning and well-being.

Children who eat a healthy school meal are better able to concentrate in the afternoon. It can also support positive behaviour in lessons.

Healthy meals help children develop good eating habits that support long-term health.

No Recourse To Public Funds

Your child may still be eligible for Free School Meals if your family has No Recourse To Public Funds, depending on your immigration status and household income.

To apply, you will need to complete a self-declaration form confirming:

• Your immigration category

• That your household income is below the required level

Applying is easy and can be done here.

Secondary school aged children

Secondary children are not covered by the Mayor's funding, so you will need to apply.

Eligibility

1.Your child may be eligible for free school meals (FSM) if you receive one of the benefits below:

• Universal Credit with an annual net earned income of no more the £7,400 (616.67 per month)

• Child Tax credit, provided the parents are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit with an annual gross income of no more that £16,190. 

• Working Tax Credit run on (Paid for the four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)

• Income Support

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

• Income –related Employment and Support Allowance

• Support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• The guaranteed element of the Pension Credit

Children who get any of the above benefits directly, instead of through a parent or carer, can also apply for free school meals.

Children in reception, year 1 and year 2 automatically get free school meals, but if you receive one of these benefits you should still complete an application form so that additional funding provided by the government can be received for the school. We will only get the additional funding if families complete the form.

Applying is easy and can be done here.

Please return your forms to the school office or by email.