The Government recognises the benefits of providing a healthy meal to students eligible for free school meals and as a Trust we are committed to ensuring that students are able to choose from a range of nutritious options. 

If your child is entitled to a free school meal,  we will provide them a healthy meal that they can have at lunchtime and they can choose one of the following options: -

• Lunch Main Meal of the Day, either option 
• Jacket Potato with topping 
• Hot Sandwich of the Day 
• Hot Pasta Pot of the day 
• Sandwich/wrap (codes AA – C) or Salad or Cold Pasta Pot

In addition to the above, they can also choose one of the following:

• Dessert of the Day 
• Yoghurt 
• Fruit 
• Whites Bakery Item (cookie, muffin etc.) 
• Drink 
• Crisps 

Where pupils are eligible for free school meals and are receiving remote education, the school catering team will provide a good quality lunch parcel in lieu of the above. 

If you child is eligible for free school meals and would like to purchase additional items, please ensure that their ParentPay meal account is in credit. 

If you have any questions regarding catering, please email retcatering@ridgewayeducation.com

Is my child eligible?

From September 2026, pupils will qualify for Free School Meals under one of the following categories:
 

1. Targeted FSM (income‑based)

Your child may be eligible if your household has earned income under £7,400 per year and you receive one of the following benefits:

• Universal Credit
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
   

Households may also be entitled if they:

• are in receipt of income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• receive the guarantee element of Pension Credit
• meet criteria set out in separate guidance for families with no recourse to public funds

Pupils in this group will continue to attract Pupil Premium funding.
 

2. Expanded FSM (Universal Credit)

Your child will be eligible if your household receives Universal Credit, regardless of income level. Pupils in this group will not attract Pupil Premium funding.
 

3. Universal Infant Free School Meals

This continues automatically for pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. (not applicable for St Birinus School)

Why do we need a new form?

From June 2026, the national Eligibility Checking System is changing and we can only complete an eligibility check if we receive a completed application form.

Please only apply if you meet one of the criteria above.
 

If you do meet the criteria and do not complete a form, we will not be able to confirm eligibility, and your child will not receive Free School Meals from September.

A pupil is only eligible to receive a free school meal when a claim for the meal has been made on their behalf and their eligibility, or protected status, has been verified by the school where they are enrolled or by the local authority.

How to apply

If you believe you are eligible and haven’t already done so, please complete the Application Free School Meals Form which will enable us then to run a check to confirm entitlement.

When to apply

You should apply when you first start to receive benefit as claims are not backdated. Your eligibility will be reviewed on occasion. You should notify the school immediately if any changes occur to your benefits.  Please contact Reception for more information by phoning 01235 814444 or email reception@st-birinus.oxon.sch.uk.