Secondary school applications close 31 October
If your child starts secondary school in September 2027, apply for a school place by Saturday 31 October.
Free school meals
Apply for free school meals for your child.
All children in reception, year 1 and year 2 at state schools get free school meals. You do not need to apply.
Who can get free school meals in other years
Your child can get free school meals if you get Universal Credit, or if you get:
- Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- the guarantee part of Pension Credit
Apply
Apply even if your child is in reception to year 2. Your school gets extra money for each child who's eligible.
What happens next
We'll check your benefits and tell you and the school within 2 working days. Your child can have free meals from the next school day.
School holidays
Children who get free school meals can join free holiday activities with a meal in the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays.