Free School Meals (FSM) is a benefit awarded in respect of children under the age of 19 where the parent or guardian is in receipt of one of the benefits shown below:

• Income Support (IS);
• Income Based Jobseekers Allowance (IB JSA);
• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999;
• Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income, as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs that does not exceed £16,190;
• An income-related employment and support allowance (irESA);
• Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit.

By Law no other category of support payment or combination of Tax Credits qualify for free school meals. Similarly, there are no other circumstances that can legally justify the provision of a free meal.

Please note that money received each week through Working Tax Credit benefit includes an amount for Free School Meals. This means that you do not qualify for a free meal if you receive it. Free school meals eligibility checking service form.

Registering for free meals could raise extra funding for your child’s school, to fund valuable support like extra tuition, additional teaching staff or after school activities. This additional money is available from central government for every child whose parent is receiving one of the welfare benefits listed above. It is therefore important to sign up for free school meals, even if your child does not use their entitlement, so that your child’s school receives as much funding as possible.

To apply for Free School Meals please download and complete the application form below and return to the main reception at King Edward VI Balaam Wood Academy for the attention of Mrs K. Darling. If you prefer, please do come into school to complete an application form. 

The Data below shows that we have a higher than average percentage of pupils who are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM):