Free school meals

Families who receive certain benefits may be eligible for free school meals. 

Your child is eligible for free school meals if you’re in receipt of one of the following benefits:

• Universal Credit with an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400.
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guarantee element of Pension Credit
• Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for the four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
• Child Tax Credit (with no Working Tax Credit) with an annual income of no more than £16,190

Registering for free meals could also raise an extra £900 for your child’s secondary 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 benefits listed above.

The funding is designed to raise the attainment of disadvantaged students and narrow any gaps that exist between them and their peers. Schools are awarded the Pupil Premium funding to deploy according to their context and to see the greatest impact on improving the academic and personal development of the young people identified.

You can apply online for free school meals with Oldham Council at:

The school can check if your child is eligible for free school meals, however you will need to supply information about you and your child. Please contact Mr G Smith, the Business Manager for a confidential service.