Free school meals — guidance for schools
Change on 1 September 2026
- Updated on GOV.UK
- Summary added
In short
A template letter has been added to the guidance to assist schools in communicating changes to free school meal eligibility criteria to parents.
Who this affects: School leaders, school staff, and governing bodies in local-authority-maintained schools, academies, free schools, and non-maintained special schools, as well as local authorities.
Our guides: Pupil premium, Free school meals
GOV.UK’s full note
Added a template letter about the change in eligibility criteria for free school meals.
Support for paid members
Access member next steps and discuss guidance changes with other school leaders.