Free School Meals

Whilst all children in London will be given Free School Meals this year, children who qualify for the pupil premium grant may also be eligible for holiday camps, activity days and food vouchers.

If you have a qualifying income listed below, it’s important to let the school know. Your registration not only ensures your child continues to get a free meal but also helps the school receive additional government funding known as Pupil Premium. The Pupil Premium grant is government funding to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged pupils in state-funded schools in England. This funding supports essential resources and programs to help students thrive.

Schools will only receive funding once parents/carers have successfully applied - it is not automatic. If you think you may be eligible, please contact the school or apply for free school meals directly through the link below, as your child’s school will receive extra funding for each eligible child. 

Registering your child for the Free School Meals scheme offers more than just a nutritious meal at school. By signing up, you can access valuable benefits for your family and help your child’s school secure vital funding for essential support like extra tuition, additional teaching staff, and after-school activities.

Eligibility Criteria

• Income support
• Income based Jobseekers Allowance
• Universal Credit (your household income must be less than £7,400 a year after tax and not including any benefits you receive)
• Income related Employment Support Allowance
• Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (but not Working Tax Credit) and have an annual income of less than £16,190
• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

How to apply

Your child's school office team can submit the application for you. Simply reach out to the school’s office, and they’ll manage the process on your behalf. Alternatively you can apply directly on the London Borough of Havering website. 

Contact your child's school 

Apply via the London Borough of Havering website

Support and further information

The office staff in your child's school will be able to provide you with further information and assist you with your application.

For further details about Havering's Free School Meals scheme and eligibility criteria please visit the London Borough of Havering website.