DfE Updated Free School Meals Guidance for the 2026 to 2027 Expansion (United Kingdom, June 2026)
The Department for Education updated guidance confirming that from the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, all children in households receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to a free school meal in covered settings.
The Department for Education updated guidance confirming that from the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, all children in households receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to a free school meal in covered settings.
What Changed?
The guidance created two benefits-based categories: Targeted FSM under the existing earnings threshold and Expanded FSM for pupils in households receiving Universal Credit who do not qualify for Targeted FSM.
Old System vs New System
Benefits-based free school meals were generally limited by eligibility thresholds, and transitional protections allowed some pupils to keep entitlement even after household circumstances changed.
From the 2026 to 2027 academic year, Universal Credit receipt becomes the key expansion route, Ever 6 FSM is based on Targeted FSM, transitional protections end, and schools are expected to monitor eligibility through annual rechecks.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Many more pupils from Universal Credit households should become eligible for free school meals, while some previously protected entitlements may depend on meeting the updated criteria.
Parent / Family Impact
Families receiving Universal Credit should check eligibility and application processes for the new academic year, especially where children are entering or continuing school meals provision.
School / Institution Impact
Schools and local authorities need to plan for increased meal numbers, eligibility checks, funding categories, catering capacity and communication with families.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Teachers may see reduced hunger-related barriers to learning, while pastoral teams may support families with applications and eligibility changes.
Key Dates
- Guidance updated: 2026-06-30
- expansion begins: start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year
- transitional protections end: start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year.
What To Do
- Schools should estimate newly eligible pupils
- survey families where needed
- plan catering capacity and update communications before the academic year starts.
What To Watch Next
Watch for additional regulations on maintained nursery schools, funding updates and local authority implementation guidance.
Global Context
The expansion is a major child-poverty and school-meals policy change, relevant to international comparisons of education welfare support.
Source Record
Source type: Guidance
Source name: Department for Education