Free School Meals
Free School Meals
At YBA, we believe that no student should miss out on a nutritious meal during the school day. Free School Meals can make a real difference to a young person's wellbeing, concentration and success in school. We strongly encourage all families who may be eligible to apply.
Who Is Eligible?
As a secondary school, many of our students may qualify for Free School Meals through the Welsh Government's eligibility criteria.
Students may be eligible if a parent or carer receives:
Universal Credit
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
The Guaranteed Element of Pension Credit
Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Child Tax Credit in certain circumstances and income thresholds specified by Welsh Government guidance. Free school meals: information for local authorities and schools
Universal Credit Families: Please Apply
Recent changes by the Welsh Government mean that more secondary school pupils are eligible for Free School Meals than ever before. Families receiving Universal Credit should apply, even if they believe their earnings may be too high. The Welsh Government has expanded eligibility for pupils in Years 7 and 8 whose families receive Universal Credit, including those with household earnings above the previous £7,400 threshold. Free school meals.
If your family receives Universal Credit, our advice is simple:
Apply and let the local authority assess your eligibility.
Why Should You Apply?
A successful Free School Meals application can provide benefits beyond a free daily meal. It may help your child access additional support and enables schools to receive extra funding that can be used to enhance learning, wellbeing initiatives and student support.
Many families are surprised to learn that they qualify, so we encourage everyone who receives a qualifying benefit to check their entitlement.
Need Advice?
If you are unsure whether your child qualifies, please contact the school for guidance. Our team will be happy to direct you to the appropriate local authority application process and help ensure that your child receives any support to which they are entitled.
Don't assume you won't qualify. Submit an application and ensure your family receives all of the support available to you.