Free School Meals are changing

The new national changes mean that all families who get Free School Meals need to reapply before the start of the new school year in September. 

From September, all children from homes that get Universal Credit will be able to get Free School Meals. Families who get some other benefits and support may also be able to get Free School Meals.  

If your child gets Free School Meals, their school may be able to get extra money to pay for things like extra teaching staff or after school activities. It’s important to apply for Free School Meals if you think your child has been able to get free school meals before or may be able to get them now. 

What you need to do next 

If your child gets Free School Meals now, or you think that they should, please fill out the form at the end of this letter and return it to your child’s school.  

What if I have children and more than one school? 

If your children go to different schools, you will need to complete a form for each school.  

What if I have more than one child at one school? 

You only need to complete the form once per school, even if you have more than one child at the school.  

Once the school has your form, the school or the council can check whether your child can get Free School Meals from September.  

What if my child is starting a new school in September? 

If your child is starting reception or Year 7 this September, their new school will let you know how to apply for Free School Meals. 

What will happen next year? 

Checks of whether your children can get Free School Meals will be done each year. If your child moves to a new school, the school might check if your child should get Free School Meals or not.  

If your finances change, please speak to your child’s school to apply for Free School Meals. 

More information can be found on your school website and at https://www.york.gov.uk/FreeSchoolMeals 

For more information about the ways that the council uses your information please see: https://www.york.gov.uk/privacy/AdmissionsFAMAppealsFreeMealsPN 

If you have any queries about Free School Meals please email businesssupportschoolservices@york.gov.uk or call 01904 551554 and select option 3. 

What to do now 

To see if your children can get free school meals (FSM), please fill in all sections of this form using the link below: 

Huntington School.  Free School Meals for the 2026-2027 academic year – Fill in form 

If there is any information you cannot find, or you are having problems understanding, contact the school for help, either by emailing mail@huntington-ed.org.uk or phoning 01904 752100.