- Types of free school meals
- How to apply for free school meals
- Cambridgeshire schools that process applications directly
- Independent schools and further education colleges
- Applying through Peterborough schools
- Free school meals for families who have no recourse to public funds
- Contact the Education Welfare Benefits team
Free school meals (FSM) are changing from the beginning of September 2026. From the start of the 2026/27 academic year, all children in households receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for free school meals. This is regardless of household income.
The transitional protection that has been in place since 2018, while Universal Credit (UC) was rolled out, has now ended.
Children currently receiving FSM must continue to meet the eligibility criteria. This will be confirmed through a recheck. Those who remain eligible will continue to receive FSM.
When you apply for free school meals, you will normally receive either a Targeted or Expanded award.
- Targeted means that the school qualifies to receive additional funding called Pupil Premium
- Expanded means you only receive free school meals, with no extra funding for the school
This scheme is available for school-age children and for post-16 students at a school with a sixth form or college.
Types of free school meals
There are now three types of free school meals. One is based on your child's year group, the other two are dependent on household income and receipt of Universal Credit.
How to apply for free school meals
Where your child goes to school will determine where you need to apply for free school meals. If you have more than one child, you may need to submit more than one application.
You can also contact the Cambridgeshire FSM Team at ewb.fsm@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Cambridgeshire schools that process applications directly
If your child attends the following schools, please contact the school direct
- Elm Road Primary School
- Peckover Primary School
- Thomas Clarkson Academy
- The Wisbech Academy
- Westwood Primary School
Independent schools and further education colleges
If your child attends an independent school or a further education college, such as Long Road, Hills Road, Cambridge Regional College (CRC), Peterborough Regional College (PRC) or the College of West Anglia (CWA), please submit your application directly to the school or college.
Applying through Peterborough schools
If your child attends the following schools, please apply using the Peterborough City Council online application form below.
Schools with applications processed by Peterborough City Council
- All Saints' CofE (Aided) Primary School
- Brewster Avenue Infant School
- Eye CofE Primary School
- Greater Peterborough UTC
- Leighton Primary and Preschool
- Orton Wistow Primary School
- St Augustine's CofE (Voluntary Aided) Junior School
- The King's (The Cathedral) School
- Woodston Primary School
You can also contact the Peterborough Free School Meal Team at fsm@peterborough.gov.uk. Visit Free school meals | Peterborough City Council for further information.
Peterborough schools that process applications directly
If your school is listed below, please apply by contacting the school directly.
- City of Peterborough Academy
- Eyrescroft Primary School
- Gladstone Primary Academy
- Highlees Primary School
- Lime Academy Abbotsmede
- Lime Academy Orton
- Lime Academy Parnwell
- Lime Academy Watergall
- Newark Hill Academy
- St John Fisher Catholic High School
- Thomas Deacon Academy
- Welbourne Primary Academy
FSM scheme is available for school-age children and to post-16 students at a school with a sixth form or college.
Free school meals for families who have no recourse to public funds
The following groups of children with no recourse to public funds are eligible for free school meals.
To qualify, gross household income must be no more than £22,700 a year for families with one child, or £26,300 a year for families with two or more children.
The income thresholds are different for families who live in London. In addition to these thresholds, families must hold no more than £16,000 in capital and savings. These groups are:
- Zambrano carers
- families who have no recourse to public funds with a right to remain in the UK on grounds of private and family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights
- families receiving support under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989 who are also subject to a no recourse to public funds restriction
- Failed asylum seekers supported under Section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (household income thresholds do not apply)
- Chen carers
- families holding a BN(O) passport
- spousal visa holders
- work visa holders
- student visa holders
- those with no immigration status
If you think your child may be eligible under the new criteria, please contact the Education Welfare Benefits team to request an application form. Email ewb.fsm@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or call 01223 703 200.
Other eligibility criteria
Children of parents or guardians receiving the following benefits may also be eligible. Supporting evidence will be required.
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- The guaranteed element of Pension Credit (This will typically be a Pension Credit M1000 Award Notice)
Contact the Education Welfare Benefits team
Contact the Council’s Education Welfare Benefits Team for information about applications for free school meals and benefits which support children financially while at school.
Education Welfare Benefits Team
PO Box 761
Box No ALC2606
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE29 9QR
Email: ewb.fsm@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Tel: 01223 703 200
