Free School Meals

Important changes to Free School Meals (FSM) eligibility that will take effect from September 2026.

Going forward, schools will record FSM eligibility under one of two categories:

Targeted FSM – for families receiving Universal Credit with household earnings below £7,400 per year. These pupils will receive a free school meal and the school will also receive Pupil Premium funding.

Expanded FSM – for families receiving Universal Credit with earnings above £7,400 per year. These pupils will be entitled to free meals only.

 

What this means for you

Households that no longer meet the criteria will not automatically continue to receive FSM, as previous transitional protections in place since April 2018 will end when the current school term finishes.

If you think that you may now be eligible for FSM under the expanded FSM criteria, please apply using the link below.

 

Next steps

Please apply by visiting: https://leicestershire.cloud.servelec-synergy.com/Synergy/

Please note, once your child has their updated status this will last for a full school year. The status will only be changed if a re-check is requested by a parent/carer or school.

If your child currently receives FSM, and after re-checking is not entitled to free meals from September, please ensure you have made arrangements for lunches upon their return in September.

 

Should you require further support with the application please call 0116 305 5417 (option 1) or email: FreeSchool.Meals@leics.gov.uk