The government is expanding eligibility for free school meals (FSM) from the start of the 2026/27 school year. As a result, an estimated 500,000 more pupils will be eligible for free school meals. (DfE)
This positive step offers significant benefits for the pupils and families most in need of support, as well as their wider school communities. At the same time, rising demand for free school meals will likely increase existing pressures on school catering services, budgets, staff and facilities.
We want to help schools prepare for these changes, maximise FSM uptake, and make the most of this opportunity to improve pupils’ health, wellbeing, and educational outcomes.
To this end, our upcoming guide will help school leaders navigate FSM expansion. To make sure you have all the answers you need, we have a few quick questions for you.
How is free school meal eligibility changing?
From the start of the new school year in September 2026, every pupil at a state-funded school, nursery, sixth form, or college in England, whose household receives Universal Credit, will be entitled to free school meals.
Whereas only children in households earning under £7,400 per year were previously FSM-eligible, the expanded criteria from 2026/27 will allow around half a million more pupils to enjoy a free, healthy school lunch each day.
This FSM expansion is part of a government plan to ease the cost of living for families, which also includes providing free school breakfast clubs for primary pupils, increasing funded childcare, removing the two-child benefit cap, and limiting school uniform costs.
How do free school meals benefit pupils, families and schools?
In the most direct sense, the government estimates that expanding eligibility will allow 500,000 more pupils to benefit from free school meals, save eligible families up to £500 per child, per year and “lift 100,000 children out of poverty”.
+500,000 pupils
eligible for FSM
Families save £500
per child per year
100,000 fewer
children in povertyHowever, the benefits of free school meals extend far beyond the dining hall. For example, a 2025 report from the Feed the Future campaign showed that pupils who receive free meals:
- Are healthier: they consume more fruit and vegetables, and are more likely to be within a healthy weight range
- Are happier: eating school meals is associated with better mental wellbeing, especially important for those experiencing food insecurity
- Do better in school: universal FSM pilot schemes have improved pupils’ behaviour, concentration and academic attainment
- Earn more: free school meals can increase the lifetime income of those in low-income households by almost 6%
A 2022 Cost-Benefit Analysis also projected a significant return on investment, with every £1 invested in Universal Credit-based FSM expansion offers approximately £1.38 in core benefits:
Cost savings to schools
0.92%
Increased lifetime earnings & contributions
32.55%
NHS savings (reduced childhood obesity)
0.03%
Families’ savings on food costs
66.50%
How can schools prepare for free school meal expansion?
From managing pressurised catering services to communicating changes to students and parents and balancing school budgets, there’s a lot for school leaders to consider.
Our upcoming guide will help you prepare for September’s changes. So, to help us address your concerns, please answer a few quick questions.
