Free School Meals

Click Here to apply

The government made changes to Free School Meals (FSM) which took effect on
1st September 2026

If you think you might be eligible for free school meals, submit a claim to us or local authority using https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/schools-and-education/at-school/free-school-meals/free-school-meals.aspx#year3.

Have your National Insurance number or Home Office number ready when you apply.

You can also visit the free school meal website: https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals.

There are now two categories of FSM:

  • Targeted FSM: for children in households receiving Universal Credit with annual net
    earnings of £7,400 or less. These children received Free School Meals and Pupil Premium funding is allocated to the school.
  • Expanded FSM: all children in households receiving Universal Credit, regardless of annual household income. Children receive Free School Meals, however no additional Pupil Premium funding is allocated to the school.

There are no restrictions on how students use their FSM allowance, which is currently £3.35/day, it can be spent at break and lunch time.

My child was eligible for FSM in Year 11, why do I have to apply again?

The local education authority need to check eligibility each year (as personal circumstances change) and entitlement is not automatic even if you were approved last year. Each successful FSM application only lasts for the current school year and must be applied for no earlier than three months in advance of the coming school year so please apply now.

If you need any further information, please speak to Mr K Jones, Finance Manager jonesk@haileyburyturnford.com or the local authority.

If you do not meet the criteria for FSM above but need financial help for your child’s education, all students in the Sixth Form who come from households where income is lower than £25,000 may be entitled to financial support from the Government’s Bursary Fund.