Applying for Free School Meals
To apply for Free School Meals click here. The link will take you to the Cambridge County Council website for clear guidance on how to apply on line. The application form is easy to complete, but we can help you with this at school if you would like further assistance.
Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:
Qualifying benefits for free school meals:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guarantee element of Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190) – Working Tax Credit is a disqualifying benefit regardless of your household income – this means that you would not be entitled to Free School Meals whilst in receipt of Working Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods)
Students who receive free school meals have money automatically placed on their Cashless Catering at the start of every school day. This can be spent at break or lunchtime in the canteen. The student cannot be identified as receiving free school meals when they use their biometric identity so the process is completely private.
Families who are currently paying for school meals will save around £450 a year for student if they are entitled to free school meals.
Should you wish to obtain more information from the College regarding Free School Meals, please contact NSC’s finance department: finance@northstowesc.org
