Thousands more children in Devon and Torbay Council regions will now receive free school meals automatically without the need for families to apply. This change will benefit around 1,300 pupils who were eligible for free school meals but were not previously receiving them. Cornwall Council is also planning to implement automatic enrollment for free school meals for an additional 1,800 children starting in September 2026.

Eligibility for free school meals varies depending on where you live in the UK, your child’s age, and household benefit claims. Children in England receive free school meals in reception class, year 1, and year 2. For those claiming Universal Credit, the income threshold for eligibility is currently set at £7,400 annually but is expected to be removed starting from the 2026/27 academic year.

Further guidance from the Department for Education is anticipated before September 2026. In Scotland, children from primary one to primary five receive free school meals, while in Wales, all primary school pupils are entitled to them. In Northern Ireland, parents must apply for free school meals if they are claiming benefits, as they are not provided automatically. Private school students typically do not receive free school meals.

If your child does not automatically qualify for free school meals based on the mentioned criteria, you may still be eligible by applying if you claim certain benefits until they reach the age of 18. Additionally, claiming free school meals could lead to other forms of assistance, such as grants for school uniform and trips.