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Free School Meals

As the cost of living continues to rise, we are acutely aware that more and more of our families are finding it harder to make ends meet. The government have significantly expanded access to free school meals from September 2026 and we want to outline the criteria for receiving free school meals, how you apply, and explain what your child is entitled to and how it works.

Is my child eligible for free school meals?

Targeted Free School Meals

Free school meals are available to children if you or your partner is in receipt of one of the following qualifying benefits: 

  • Income Support or Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Universal Credit if NET earnings do not exceed £7,400 per year (£616.67 per month)
  • Pension Guarantee Credit
  • Child Tax Credit, where Working Tax Credit is NOT in payment AND your annual income does not exceed  £16,190 (as determined by HM Revenues and Customs)
  • Working Tax Credit run-on (A four week payment when your employment has ceased or your working hours reduce below 16 a week)
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Those students entitled to targeted free school meals also have access to additional support, such as Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programmes and other school-related benefits.

Expanded Free School Meals

Any child whose family receives Universal Credit will be entitled to a free school meal, regardless of income. This provides access to a free meal at school but does not include the additional support available through the targeted scheme.

How do I apply?

Applications are made directly through the Herefordshire Council website using the link below, and the page also offers guidance and advice.  You only need to complete one application form for all of your children, even if they attend different schools within Herefordshire.

Herefordshire council - free school meals 

Students currently in receipt of free school meals at another school

  • Year 6 students currently receiving free school meals at a Herefordshire school:   The Benefits Team will automatically check Year 6 students in receipt of free school meals who are moving to secondary school. Families and JMHS will be notified of the outcome i.e. if your child remains eligible and whether this is under the targeted or expanded criteria. Therefore, these parents do not need to re-apply for free school meals.
  • Year 6 students currently receiving free school meals at a school outside of Herefordshire:  Parents and carers must submit an application to Herefordshire Council for their child to receive free school meals at JMHS (see link above).  These applications should be submitted as soon as possible so that the application can be processed in time for the beginning of September.
  • Students joining JMHS after the start of Year 7 from a Herefordshire school and in receipt of free school meals:  Our Data team will notify the Benefits Team at Herefordshire Council of the change of allocated school.
  • Students joining JMHS after the start of Year 7 from a school outside of Herefordshire and in receipt of free school meals:  Parents and carers must submit an application to Herefordshire Council for their child to receive free school meals at JMHS (see link above).

Support with applying

If you have any questions or require assistance in completing the application form, please contact the Benefits Team at Herefordshire Council on 01432 260333. Mrs Chadney in Student Services is also able to provide support and can be contacted at val.chadney@jmhs.hereford.sch.uk or by calling school reception on 01531 631012 ext 113. An email can also be sent to FSM@jmhs.hereford.sch.uk .

What do free school meals entitle your child to and how do they work?

If you are successful in qualifying for free school meals, your child immediately receives the benefit of a meal at lunch time – this can be a hot meal and dessert or a baguette/sandwich and dessert, available from a wide range of options offered in our dining room. The transaction is made in exactly the same way as a student paying for their meal, by fingerprint or PIN identification, making the process anonymous.

Pupil Premium

If your child is eligible for targeted free school meals, and you register them for this, we will receive extra funding called pupil premium from the government. This is given to schools to help pupils reach their potential regardless of their background or financial situation. We use this funding to support academic interventions and support sessions, extra-curricular activities including trips, and uniform costs.

Our Pupil Premium Strategy Statement has more information about pupil premium and details of how we have spent the funding in the last academic year to help improve the attainment of our disadvantaged students .

JMHS pupil Premium strategy statement

More information

If you have any questions about free school meals or pupil premium funding, please contact us through admin@jmhs.hereford.sch.uk.