Free School Meals

Free school meals funding and Pupil Premium funding is a government grant that supports students within schools. The money goes directly to support the education of students who are allocated this grant within The Oxford Academy.

This Funding Supports your child within The Oxford Academy by:

• Adding money to entitled students cashless catering account allows them to access a school meal each day 
• Providing a curriculum that is driven by the needs of our pupils 
• Developing literacy and numeracy skills through a whole school focus and providing small group and individualised programmes of support
• Creating a fund for entitled students to support their participation in educational trips and visits, extracurricular activities and other opportunities to boost learning
• Improving the number of computer based resources within the school and for children to access from home

From September 2026, all children whose families receive Universal Credit will be entitled to a meal.

From September 2026, FSM entitlement will consist of three types:

• Targeted FSM
  For pupils in households with earned income under £7,400 (This group will continue to attract Pupil Premium funding)
• Expanded FSM
  For all other pupils in households receiving Universal Credit (These pupils will not attract Pupil Premium)
• Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM)
  Continuing for all pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2

Eligibility Checks for the 2026/27 Academic Year

From 1 June 2026, parents should submit an application to check their child's eligibility for Free School Meals for the 2026/27 academic year. Pupils confirmed as eligible on or after this date will receive Free School Meals for the full 2026/27 academic year. A further eligibility check will not be required until the end of the 2026/27 academic year.

To see if your child is eligible, please submit the form below or contact Jo Winterbourne, Student Welfare Manager.

Application for Free School Meals - The Oxford Academy