Free School Meals

Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:

    • Income Support
    • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
    • Child Tax Credit (not Working Tax Credit), with an annual income below £16,190
    • Pension Guarantee Credit
    • Employment and Support Allowance, income related
    • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
    • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
    • Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
    • Universal Credit – with a household income of £7,400 or less (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

Please visit https://pps.lgfl.org.uk/ where you can enter your details.  

Once you open the above link please scroll down and click on 'check eligibility' you will then need to create a new account by clicking the blue 'proceed' button.

(Select Essex as the Local Authority and use the dropdown menu to find The Cathedral Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School CM1 1PA). 

Once you have completed your application you will be advised directly if you are entitled to Free School Meals.

Universal Free School Meals

Since September 2014, all infant children (in reception and years 1 and 2) in state funded schools in England have been entitled to receive a free school meal at lunchtime under the Universal Infant Free School Meal programme.

However, if you are a low income family (in receipt of any of the above benefits) please complete eligibility check as above to apply for more funding to support the provision of education for children in the school.

Pupil Premium & Free School Meals – Are You Eligible?

If your child qualifies for Free School Meals (FSM) and you register, our school receives extra funding called Pupil Premium. This funding helps us provide additional resources and support for your child.

💡 What is Pupil Premium?

Government funding to help all pupils reach their potential. It applies to children who:

  • ✅ Are registered for FSM (or have been in the last 6 years)
  • ✅ Are or have been in care
  • ✅ Have parents in the armed forces

📋 Is My Child Eligible for FSM?

You may qualify if you receive:

  • Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based), or Employment & Support Allowance (income-related)
  • Child Tax Credit (not Working Tax Credit) with income under £16,190
  • Universal Credit (net earnings under £616.67/month)
  • Pension Credit (guaranteed element)
  • Support under Immigration & Asylum Act 1999

🎓 How We Use Pupil Premium

At The Cathedral School, funding supports:

  • 🚌 Paid educational visits and residential trips
  • 🎵 Subsidised music lessons
  • 🎁 Holiday vouchers
  • 🤝 Pastoral support and interventions

👶 Reception, Year 1 & Year 2

All pupils in these years get free meals under Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM).
But if you meet FSM criteria, please still register—it unlocks extra funding for your child’s learning.
Your child doesn’t have to eat the school meal; packed lunches are fine.

🖥 How to Apply

Apply online: https://pps.lgfl.org.uk

  • Click Check Eligibility
  • Select Essex and The Cathedral Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School
  • Complete details and submit

❓ Questions?
Visit the school office—we’re happy to help. Registering ensures your child gets the support they deserve.