From free school meals expansion to uniform grants, all the ways parents can save on back to school costs

The summer holidays are coming to an end, and for many families that means shelling out a stack of cash to get kids ready for the new school year.

From new uniforms and PE kits to stationery and school trips, the costs can quickly mount up.

However, you can help soften the blow of the September term with free school meals, a school uniform grant, and council cost of living schemes.

Here is all the support you may be able to access to help make your back-to-school budget go further.

Free school meals for parents claiming Universal Credit

Free school meals rules are changing in September 2026 so it's worth re-checking whether you could qualify even if you previously didn't.

In 2026/27 school year, the earnings threshold for Universal Credit claimants in England is being removed entirely.

It means every child in a household receiving Universal Credit will qualify for free school meals, regardless of how much the family earns.

Previously, you could be on Universal Credit and still miss out if your household earns more than £7,400 a year after tax.

Now if you are on Universal Credit in England, your child will be able to get a free meal every day they attend school.

A free school meal is typically worth around £2.65 per day in primary school and slightly more in secondary, though prices vary by school and area. Over a year that saving looks like:

• £503 per year for one child

• £1,006 per year for two children

Definitely not sums to be sniffed at. Applying is free and easy, just contact your child's school directly and ask how to apply. Most have an online form or a paper form available from the school office.

Free breakfast clubs from September 2026

A rollout of more free school breakfast clubs from September 2026 could help ease the cost of childcare for parents.

Around 1,400 more schools will begin offering free breakfast clubs taking the total number participating to more than 2,700 schools across England.

The clubs provide children with a free breakfast before school and offer parents free childcare at the start of the day.

The government estimates families using a breakfast club every school day could save up to £450 a year, as well as gaining around 95 hours of free childcare over the course of the school year.

Check if the scheme is being rolled out your school.

Check for school uniform changes

School uniform rules are also changing from September, this is another change that can help save families.

Under the changes, schools will be more limited on how many branded items they can ask parents to buy and not ask for more than three as part of the uniform - or four item if one is a tie.

So make sure you check what is required this year, to avoid paying for expensive branded items that aren't needed.

Schools should also be providing second-hand uniform options with clear details on how to buy them on their website.

Buying second-hand items is a great way to save, especially on those branded items which can be exceptionally expensive when bought new.

Check what is available sooner rather than later to avoid missing out.

Check for school uniform grants

Families on low income and finding the back to school costs a battle should check if their local council can offer extra help.

Not all offer school uniform grants but some may do.

If not, try the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) which is government money given to local authorities to help local households in a financial crisis.

Each authority has their own set of criteria to qualify and will offer different support.

However, if you're facing a financial emergency and on benefits, you could be able to get help.

Some schemes offer cash grants, while others provide vouchers, food parcels or essential household goods.

The funds are typically designed to help people dealing with unexpected financial difficulties, if you are facing a tricky situation, check if you can help.

You should be able to apply through your local council website.