Big changes ahead for free school meals – here's what you need to know

Starting in September 2026, families in Cornwall who qualify for free school meals won’t need to fill out a single form. Their children will be enrolled automatically to make the experience as hassle free as possible.

Cornwall is one of the first places in the country to make this move, and it’s part of a range of changes coming to free school meals nationally.

Why is Cornwall introducing automatic enrolment for free school meals?

Cornwall has some of the highest levels of child poverty in the South West. A recent report revealed that over 27,000 children and young people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are growing up in relative poverty. That’s one in five kids.

And right now, around 1,800 children who should be getting free school meals aren’t because of the application process. By introducing automatic enrolment, Cornwall Council hopes to change that.

What’s changing nationally?

Beyond Cornwall, the eligibility criteria for free school meals are loosening nationally.

From September 2026, the government is expanding eligibility for free school meals across England.

Every child in a household receiving Universal Credit will qualify; there will no longer be an income cap. This means over 500,000 extra children will get free school meals from next year. Families could save up to £495 per child each year, which is a huge help with the cost of living.

The government says this change could lift 100,000 children out of poverty and improve health, behaviour, and learning outcomes. It’s part of a wider plan to tackle child poverty and make sure every child has the best start in life.

What about support available right now?

Lots of households are eligible for free school meals right now. Not everyone knows their children are eligible though.

If you are on certain benefits, like Universal Credit, and have a household income under £7,400 excluding benefits, then your child might already qualify. Check with your local council to see if this is the case.

There’s also other help available, including:

• Healthy Start vouchers – eligible families with young children can get help with the cost of milk, fruit and vegetables
• holiday activities and food programme – eligible children can benefit from free meals and activities during the school holidays, check with your local council for more information
• charities – children’s charities such as Barnardo’s and the Family Fund offer a range of resources and grants for struggling families

These are some of the options available if you need help before the changes to school meals come in next year.