Free School Meals- Post 16
Once students move into post-16 study, free school meals are no longer automatically continued from pre-16 education. Instead, students must apply directly through the school and meet specific eligibility criteria.
To be eligible, students must:
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Be aged 16 to 18 on 31 August 2026 (or meet specific conditions if aged 19+)
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Be enrolled in appropriate funded post-16 provision
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Meet residency requirements
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Be in a household receiving certain qualifying benefits, such as:
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Universal Credit
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Support under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
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In some cases, Income-related ESA or Pension Credit
Please note:
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The application process is presenting the evidence to the Sixth Form Office, where they will check the evidence and take a photocopy for school records.
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The application process is annual
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Evidence must be provided before free meals can be awarded
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Students (or a responsible adult) must make an application directly to the school
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Evidence should be submitted during the first week of the September term if your child wishes to receive meals from the start of term
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If your circumstances change during the academic year, you may apply at any time
Key Difference-FSM vs Bursary
It is important to understand:
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Qualifying for free school meals does NOT automatically mean your child qualifies for a bursary
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Each scheme has different eligibility criteria and assessment processes
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A separate application and evidence may be required for each
Further in formation
Full details about the bursary:
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Eligibility criteria
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Application processes
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Required evidence
