Important Changes for September 2026 

The Government is changing the rules for Free School Meals (FSM) from September 2026 which means more families may be eligible. We would encourage all families to check their eligibility as each eligible child can also help the school access additional funding to support pupils’ education and wellbeing.

What do I need to do? 

Check the new free school meals criteria in the “who can get free school meals?” section below. If you think your family is eligible check here – LGfL eligibility checker

• If the eligibility check result confirms you are Eligible “Targeted”or Eligible “Expanded” please follow the appropriate steps below:

.If your child currently receives free school meals – you do not need to do anything, Pupil Access will contact you before the new school year to ensure you continue to receive FSM in 2026/27.

If your child does not currently receive free school meals – please apply for Free school meals through the Lancashire County Council website here:  Apply for free school meals and pupil premium.  Go to Section 3 to apply.If you do not complete an application, Ripley will not be able to provide Free School Meals for your child from September 2026.

• If your child currently receives free school meals and the eligibility check result returns Not Eligible, your child’s free school meal eligibility will end on August 31^st

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.

What do I need to do? 

Check the new criteria above, if you think your family is eligible you can check here – LGfL eligibility checker

If the check result confirms you are Eligible “Targeted” or Eligible “Expanded” please follow the appropriate steps below:

1. If your child currently receives free school meals – you do not need to do anything, Pupil Access will contact you before the new school year to ensure you continue to receive FSM in 2026/27.
2. If your child does not currently receive free school meals – please apply for Free school meals through the Lancashire County Council website here:  Apply for free school meals and pupil premium  if you do not apply Ripley will not be able to provide Free School Meals for your child from September 2026.

If the eligibility check result returns Not Eligible, your child’s free school meal eligibility will end on August 31^st 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 automatic confirmation to Ripley which will provide an indication of how many free school meals we need to accommodate in September.

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 completed.

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