Free School Meals from September 2026
What are Free School Meals?
Free School Meals provide eligible pupils with a nutritious meal during the school day at no cost to families.
Receiving FSM can also bring additional benefits for schools and families, including:
- Helping to ensure pupils have access to a healthy meal each day.
- Reducing the cost of school lunches for eligible families.
- Supporting schools through additional funding linked to eligible pupils, which can be used to enhance educational support and opportunities.
From September 2026, the Government has changed the eligibility criteria for Free School Meals (FSM). This means that many more families may now qualify for support.
We encourage all parents and carers to check their eligibility and submit an application if they think they may qualify.
Important information for current FSM families
If your child currently receives Free School Meals, you will still need to submit a new application under the updated eligibility criteria.
Please note:
- Free School Meals will not automatically continue into September 2026.
- A new application is required for all families wishing to continue receiving this support.
- Applications should be submitted as soon as possible to help ensure support is in place for the start of the autumn term.
Who may be eligible?
From September 2026, if you receive Universal Credit, your child may be eligible for Free School Meals.
The previous household earnings limit has been removed, so eligibility is now much broader than before.
You are encouraged to apply if:
- You receive Universal Credit.
- You have previously been refused Free School Meals.
- You have never applied before.
- You think your family circumstances may now meet the updated criteria
How to apply
Applications can be completed online via this link: Apply for free school meals | Instructions – Wigan Council
Please note that the school is listed as The Byrchall High and therefore appears alphabetically under T when selecting it.
You can apply through this link, even if you don’t live in Wigan.
Application processing time
Applications are normally processed within one week. However, due to the significant expansion of the scheme, there may be some delays while applications are being processed.
Please be assured that all applications submitted over the summer holidays will be processed as quickly as possible, with the aim of having support in place for the start of the September term.
Once a decision has been made, you will be contacted to confirm the outcome.
Need help?
If you have any questions or need assistance completing the application, please contact the school’s main office. A member of staff will be happy to help.
