Only pupils eligible for 'targeted' FSM attract pupil premium funding
From September 2026, free school meal (FSM) eligibility is extended to all households receiving Universal Credit, regardless of yearly income – this new category of benefits-based FSM is called 'expanded' FSM.
However, pupil premium eligibility will not be extended and will continue to be based on the old FSM income threshold, now called 'targeted' FSM. A pupil qualifies for targeted FSM if their household:
- Receives Universal Credit, and
- Has a yearly household income of less than £7,400
Read more about expanded and targeted FSM, and your duty to annually recheck FSM eligibility, in our article on FSM eligibility.
The government uses the number of pupils registered for targeted FSM in the October school census to work out your pupil premium funding. Read more about how this data determines your funding.
Use this letter and factsheet to encourage eligible parents and carers to register their child