Important Changes for September 2026 

The Government is changing the rules for Free School Meals (FSM) from September 2026. 

All families who wish to receive Free School Meals in the 2026/27 school year must complete a new eligibility check, even if their child currently receives Free School Meals. 

If a check is not completed, Ripley will not be able to provide Free School Meals for your child from September 2026.  

Complete the check here – LGfL eligibility checker

What are Free School Meals? 

Free School Meals are available to eligible pupils and provide a healthy, nutritious lunch during the school day at no cost to parents or carers. The scheme is designed to support families who receive certain benefits and to ensure that every child has access to a balanced meal that helps them learn, grow, and achieve their best at school. 

If your child is eligible for Free School Meals, applying can also help the school access additional funding to support pupils’ education and wellbeing. We encourage all families who think they may qualify to check their eligibility using the link at the bottom of the page. 

Who can get Free School Meals? 

From September 2026, more families will be able to receive Free School Meals. 

Your child may be eligible if your household receives: 

• Universal Credit (regardless of your income) 

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) 

• The Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit 

• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 

• Support under the Government’s arrangements for some families with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) 

Why do I need to check again? 

Since 2018, some children have continued to receive Free School Meals even if their family circumstances have changed. This was called transitional protection.  

This protection will end in September 2026. This means that all families who wish to receive Free School Meals in the 2026/27 school year must complete a new eligibility check, even if their child currently receives Free School Meals. 

What do I need to do? 

If your child currently receives, or has previously received, Free School Meals, or if you think they may be eligible for Free School Meals under the new criteria, please complete an eligibility check before 17 July 2026. 

What happens after I complete the check? 

If your result is “Found” (Eligible): 

Your child will receive Free School Meals for the whole of the 2026/27 academic year. 

If your result is “Not Found” (Not Eligible) or if you do not complete the eligibility check: 

Your child will not receive Free School Meals in the 2026/27 academic year and your current Free School Meal entitlement will end on 31 August 2026. 

How do I check my eligibility? 

We have partnered with LGfL to provide a quick and easy online eligibility check. 

The check only takes a few minutes, and you will receive an instant result. If your child is eligible for free school meals, LGfL will send confirmation through to Ripley and we can update our system. 

You will need: 

• Parent/carer name 

• Parent/carer date of birth 

• Contact details 

• National Insurance Number (or National Asylum Seeker Number) 

• Child’s name 

• Child’s date of birth 

• School name: Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy (888-4689)  (it is important that you select the correct school or we will not receive your eligibility confirmation) 

Please make a note of your application reference number once the check has been complemted. 

Still unsure or need help checking your eligibility? 

School staff will be available to help you complete the eligibility check and answer any questions. 

Please come to The Lodge at the front of school during one of the following drop-in sessions, Mrs Barton will be on hand to help you complete your eligibility check (please remember to bring your National Insurance number or National Asylum Seeker Number) : 

• Tuesday 14th July 2026 – 9:00am to 11:00am 

• Wednesday 15 July 2026 – 5:00pm to 6:00pm 

Complete the check here – LGfL eligibility checker