Hello Parents and carers,
There are upcoming changes to the eligibility criteria for Free School Meals (FSM) which will take effect from 1 September 2026, and to outline the actions required by families to ensure that records are accurate.
As you may be aware, under the previous arrangement an application for Free School Meals was assessed and, if successful, the award remained in place for six years. The Department for Education (DfE) request that all pupils be reassessed before the start of the new academic year so that eligibility for Free School Meals and, where appropriate, Pupil Premium funding, can be determined under the revised criteria.
From 1 September 2026, all families receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for Free School Meals. This change will increase the number of pupils who qualify.
There will be two categories of FSM eligibility:
- Targeted eligibility: Households receiving Universal Credit with annual earnings of £7,400 or less.
- Pupils in this category will qualify for Free School Meals and will attract Pupil Premium funding.
- In addition to meals and Pupil Premium support for the school, the school can assist families receiving targeted eligibility with subsidised school and residential trips, school uniform, and support with clubs and individual/group music lessons.
- Expanded eligibility: Households receiving Universal Credit with annual earnings above £7,400.
- Pupils in this category will qualify for Free School Meals only and will not attract Pupil Premium funding.
Next steps and how to apply
The DfE has advised that every child must be reassessed under the new criteria.
You will need to provide the following information: name, date of birth, National Insurance or NASS (Asylum Seekers) number, email address, phone number and home address.
A form is being sent home today. If you complete the paper form please return this either to the school office or the school or your child’s class teacher. We will also share this with all families electronically, for those who would like to complete it electronically or a copy is also available at the end of this post. Please return any completed electronic forms to admin@selsdonprimary.org.uk. If you would prefer assistance, please contact the school and someone will arrange to support you in completing the form.
To ensure assessments are processed in time for the new academic year, please submit your application as soon as possible, but no later than by Friday 17th July 2026.
I urge all families who receive Universal Credit, or who think they may be eligible under the new criteria, to complete the form so that we can ensure pupils receive the appropriate entitlements and so that any additional school support linked to Pupil Premium can be applied where eligible.
Thank you
