From September 2026, more families will qualify for Free School Meals as the Government expands eligibility.

We encourage all parents and carers to check whether their child may be eligible. This includes families who may not have qualified before.

Free School Meals are not just for children who have school dinners. Even if your child usually brings a packed lunch, it is still important to apply if you are eligible. Registering for Free School Meals may also help the school access additional funding to provide extra support and opportunities for pupils, including:

• School trips
• Additional academic support
• Wellbeing support

Who is eligible for Free School Meals?

 From September 2026, children and young people may be eligible for Free School Meals if they:

• Attend a Kirklees school or sixth form
• Attend school full time
• Are of statutory school age 

and their parent or carer receives one of the following:

• Universal Credit
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
• Meet the criteria for families with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) 

How do I apply?

Applications for Free School Meals should be made directly through Kirklees Council using their online application form.

To apply for free school meals, fill in the simple online form on Kirklees’ website.

Contact Free School Meals

Telephone: 01484 221000

Email: freeschoolmeals@kirklees.gov.uk

For further information about Free School Meals and to apply online, please visit the Kirklees Council website.

Please note: Free School Meal applications are not automatically renewed and do not carry forward from one academic year to the next. Parents and carers must submit an application through their local authority council each year. An annual eligibility review is a legal requirement to ensure continued entitlement to Free School Meals.