FSM Checker

FSM entitlement has to be renewed when moving from Primary to Secondary school.  

Is your child eligible for Free School Meals?

From September 2026 the FSM allowance will be split into two categories:

  • Targeted FSM: Covers pupils receiving Universal Credit with an annual household income of £7,400 or less, or those on income-related ESA, Pension Credit, or specific asylum support. This tier unlocks Pupil Premium funding and the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
     
  • Expanded FSM: Covers pupils in households receiving Universal Credit with an income over £7,400. This tier entitles the child to free meals only, with no additional premium funding for the school.

Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:

  • Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be £7,400 a year or less (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance

  • support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

  • the guaranteed element of Pension Credit

  • Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.

    Your child may also get free school meals if you get any of these benefits and your child is both:

  • younger than the compulsory age for starting school
     
  • in full-time education

  • From the start of academic year 2026 to 2027, your child will qualify for free school meals if you get Universal Credit, regardless of household income.

What to do next?

Apply online at https://apply.cloudforedu.org.uk/

If your application is successful your child will have a free school meal allowance added daily to spend at their discretion using the discrete biometric finger scan system. For students receiving Targeted FSMs Cleeve Park School will also receive extra funding from the Government to use in support of teaching and learning (Pupil Premium).