What changed on 24 August 2026
From 2026 to 2027, FSM extends to all pupils in households on Universal Credit. Pupils eligible only through this Expanded FSM do not attract pupil premium. Pupils eligible before the expansion stay in the Ever 6 FSM cohort for 6 years, including if household income rises.
Corrected by HeadteacherChat on 13 October 2026.
Who this affects: School leaders, governors, and trustees in all state-funded schools (local authority-maintained, academies, free schools, and non-maintained special schools) and local authority virtual school heads.
Updated on GOV.UK 24 August 2026 · Summary added