Dear Parents/Carers,
Could your child qualify for free school meals?
We want to make sure families at Bilton C of E Junior School receive the support available to them. From
September 2026, children in households receiving Universal Credit can qualify for free school meals
regardless of household earnings. If you were previously turned down because your earnings were too
high, please check again.
Children may also qualify if their family receives income-related Employment and Support Allowance, the
guarantee element of Pension Credit, or support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
Some families with no recourse to public funds may also be eligible and should seek advice from
Warwickshire.
Why apply?
Free school meals provide your child with a school lunch each day, helping reduce your family’s food costs.
Families who meet Warwickshire’s targeted eligibility criteria may also qualify for the Holiday Activities and
Food programme, and their application can bring additional Pupil Premium funding into school to support
children’s learning. These additional benefits do not apply to every family receiving Universal Credit.
How do I apply?
Visit Warwickshire’s free school meals application page to check eligibility and apply online.
Once approved, eligibility lasts for the whole school year. Warwickshire then automatically checks
eligibility before the next school year and lets families know the outcome.
Need some help?
Please speak to the school office if you would like help finding the information. You can also contact
Warwickshire’s Family Information Service on 0800 408 1558 or email freemeals@warwickshire.gov.uk for
support with your application.
Please do check-you may now qualify even if you have not been eligible before.