Pupil Premium
Free School Meals & Pupil Premium
Could your child be entitled to Free School Meals?
From the start of the 2026–27 school year, the Government has expanded Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility to include all children whose households receive Universal Credit, regardless of household income.
This means that more children than ever may now be entitled to a free school meal.
If you receive Universal Credit, please check your eligibility. You could be entitled to free school meals and your child’s school may also be able to receive additional funding through Pupil Premium.
What is Pupil Premium?
Pupil Premium is additional government funding provided to schools to support children who may face barriers to their education because of disadvantage.
Schools use this funding to help improve pupils’ attainment, progress, attendance, wellbeing and access to opportunities.
For 2026–27, primary schools receive £1,550 per eligible pupil through Pupil Premium.
Importantly, not every child who receives a Free School Meal will attract Pupil Premium. The new FSM system has two categories.
The two categories of Free School Meals
1. Targeted Free School Meals – FSM + Pupil Premium
This applies to children in households receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less.
Children in this category:
- receive Free School Meals;
- are included in the Targeted FSM cohort;
- attract Pupil Premium funding for their school; and
- may also be eligible for other support linked to disadvantage.
Pupil Premium helps us provide additional support and opportunities for eligible pupils, based on their individual needs.
2. Expanded Free School Meals
This is the new category introduced from the start of the 2026–27 academic year.
Children in households receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings above £7,400 will now be entitled to a free school meal.
Children in this category will receive the free meal, but Expanded FSM does not attract Pupil Premium funding.
Why is it important to apply?
Even if your child has previously not been eligible for Free School Meals, please check your eligibility now.
Registering can:
- ensure your child receives a free school meal if eligible;
- help the school identify pupils who may benefit from additional support;
- ensure eligible pupils are recorded correctly for Pupil Premium;
- help us provide targeted support for learning, wellbeing, attendance and wider opportunities; and
- help families with the cost of school meals.
Every eligible pupil matters. By registering, you are helping us make sure that your child and other pupils receive the support to which they are entitled.
What do I need to do?
If you receive Universal Credit, please check your eligibility and complete an application.
For families with a Leicestershire school place, you can apply through the Leicestershire County Council Free School Meals service.
Apply for Free School Meals – Leicestershire County Council
You will need to select Cosby Primary School when completing the application.
Already receiving Free School Meals?
If your child is already registered for Free School Meals, you do not need to assume that you need to apply again. However, if your circumstances have changed or you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact the school office or check your eligibility with Leicestershire County Council.
Need help?
If you are unsure whether you qualify, or you would like help completing the application, please speak to Mr Burton or the school office.
We are very happy to help.
Don't miss out
If you receive Universal Credit, please check your eligibility today.
A simple application could mean that your child receives a free school meal and, where they meet the Targeted FSM criteria, that Cosby Primary School receives additional Pupil Premium funding to support their education and wider development.