1. Primary children - Free School Meals In London

All children in state-funded primary schools in London can receive a free school lunch. This is currently funded through Universal Free School Meals (UIFSM) funding and the Mayor of London.

This can save around £500 per child per year’ to This can save around £500 per child per year. This means your child can have a healthy meal at school every day at no cost to you.

Important Update: Free School Meals

The Department for Education (DfE) has updated its guidance on Free School Meals, with changes due to take effect from September 2026.

Current protections for families receiving Free School Meals will remain in place until the end of the 2025/2026 school year. After this, children currently receiving Free School Meals will be checked again against the new eligibility rules.

From September 2026, there will be two categories:

Targeted Free School Meals

For families who meet the current eligibility criteria.

Children in this group will:

• receive a free school meal 

• receive HAF holiday vouchers 

• help their school receive Pupil Premium funding 

Expanded Free School Meals

For families receiving Universal Credit, regardless of income.

Children in this group will:

• receive a free school meal 

What parents need to do

If your child currently receives Free School Meals and your details may have changed since your last application, we recommend completing a new form and returning it to school.

Application Forms

Free School Meals Pupil Premium Application Form

Register for Universal Infant Free school Meals

If you need help completing the form, please contact us. We are here to support you.

Why It Is Still Important To Apply

Even though all primary children receive a free lunch, some families are still eligible for means-tested Free School Meals.

When eligible families apply, the school receives additional government funding to support children’s learning and well-being.

We can only receive this extra funding if families complete the application form.

This funding helps us provide additional resources, support and opportunities for children across the school.

Applying does not affect your child in any negative way. It is confidential and handled with care.

Why A Healthy School Lunch Matters

A nutritious meal at lunchtime supports children’s health, learning and well-being.

Children who eat a healthy school meal are better able to concentrate in the afternoon. It can also support positive behaviour in lessons.

Healthy meals help children develop good eating habits that support long-term health.

No Recourse To Public Funds

Your child may still be eligible for Free School Meals if your family has No Recourse To Public Funds, depending on your immigration status and household income.

To apply, you will need to complete a self-declaration form confirming:

• Your immigration category

• That your household income is below the required level

Applying is easy and can be done here.

2. Secondary school aged children - Important changes 

The rules for free school meals are changing from September 2026.

More families receiving Universal Credit may now be eligible for free school meals, even if they were not eligible before.

We are asking families to complete the Enfield Free School Meals / Pupil Premium Application Form so that eligibility can be checked under the updated rules.

Please complete the form if:

• your child already receives free school meals
• your family receives Universal Credit
• your details have changed since your last application
• you have not applied before but think your child may now be eligible

Completing the form is important because it helps check whether your child qualifies for free school meals.

Some eligible applications may also help the school receive additional funding called pupil premium. This funding helps schools provide extra support, resources and opportunities for students.

Completed forms can be returned to school or sent directly to Enfield Council using the details on the form.

If you need help completing the form, please contact the school office.

Application form

Download the free school meals form.