Free school meals are funded by the UK government for children in England who attend a state school, free school or academy.
All children in reception, year 1 and year 2 are entitled to free school meals.
Some councils may provide free school meals to all primary school children, so provision can vary between areas. Information about a local council's free school meal provision can be accessed through GOV.UK.
In London, free school meals are currently provided to all children in state-funded primary schools. These are funded by the Mayor of London.
Free school meals are not classed as a public fund for immigration purposes. Where meals are provided universally, children can receive them regardless of their own or their parent’s immigration status.
Different rules for free school meals apply in the rest of the UK.
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Page updated: 18 June 2026
