Overview

• Starting September 2026, all children in Universal Credit households will qualify for free school meals, adding around 500,000 eligible pupils nationwide.
• Families are expected to save roughly £500 per child each year under the expanded scheme.
• Officials estimate the change will lift 100,000 children out of poverty across England.
• The entitlement will extend to schools, school-based nurseries and further education institutions.
• Local authorities, school meal suppliers and unions have welcomed the expansion as a critical measure to support low-income families and boost pupil well-being.