Changes to Free School Meal Eligibility from September 2026 and How To Apply or Re-Apply
- From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, the government is expanding eligibility to include all households in receipt of Universal Credit. This change introduces two distinct categories of eligibility, and we need your support to ensure our records are accurate so that your child receives their entitlement.
What are the new categories?
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Targeted FSM: This applies to households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual earnings of £7,400 or less. This category is vital as it provides your child with free meals and also secures essential "disadvantage funding" for the school to support your child’s education.
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Expanded FSM: This is a new category for households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual earnings above £7,400. Students in this group are now entitled to free school meals, though they do not attract additional school funding.
Why you must apply (or re-apply)
Historically, many students were covered by "transitional protections" that allowed them to keep their free meals even if their family circumstances changed. These protections will officially end in July 2026.
To ensure there is no disruption to your child’s meal provision in September, all families—including those currently receiving free meals—must have their eligibility re-verified. Even if you believe your income has risen, if you are still in receipt of Universal Credit, your child is now legally entitled to a free meal under the "Expanded" criteria. However, we must have a fresh, verified check on file to provide this.
How to apply
We have simplified the process by creating a secure form to collect the details required by Oxford City Council to run these checks through the Department for Education’s digital service. You will need your National Insurance Number (or NASS number) to complete this.
Existing Swan Students Link to Form Here
Starting Sept 26? Link to Form Here
Please complete this form as soon as possible.
Completing this check promptly ensures your child is registered and ready for the start of the Autumn term. It also ensures the school receives the correct level of funding to support our students' learning and wellbeing.
If your child is currently in Year 11 and is not intending to progress to Sixth Form at The Swan School, you do not need to complete this form.
If your child is currently in Year 12, completing this form will help us determine if your child is eligible for Free School Meals and possibly a Sixth Form Bursary.
NOTE - If you do not fall into either the Targeted or Expanded categories and do not receive Universal Credit, you may still be eligible for Free School Meals under other criteria. Please follow this link
If you have any questions or require help completing the form, please contact the school office in confidence - office@theswanschool.org.uk
