Free School Lunches

Every child at The Urswick School receives a free school lunch. However, it is still extremely important for all parents/carers to register for free school meals and to check if your child is eligible as the benefits of this entitlement for your child’s education are immense. 

Students receive:

• Reductions on the cost of school trips and visits
• Items like revision guides (given free or at a reduced price)
• Eligibility for a bursary in the Sixth Form
• Likely reduction in Tuition Fees at University

The school is able to fund some of the above because we receive a Pupil Premium Grant in respect of every child who is eligible for free school meals. Applying for free school meals benefits your child personally and the school as a whole in terms of increased funding.

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

• Income support
• Income based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income related Employment and Support Allowance
• NASS support
• Guarantee element of State Pension
• Child Tax Credit, provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190
• Working Tax Credit for the four weeks after employment ends
• Universal Credit, provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400

Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.

Children with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF). Eligibility for free school meals has been permanently extended to all children in households with no recourse to public funds. If you think this applies to your child, please contact the School directly.

Hackney Education Pupil Benefits Team operate the application system.

You can access the online application here: Apply for free school meals | Hackney Education

They can be contacted for support and advice on 0208 820 7000 option 2. Monday and Friday 9am-5pm, Tuesday 1pm-5pm and Thurday 9am-1pm.

You can also email them on pupilbenefits@hackney.gov.uk

There is also face to face support available at their walk in service at Hackney Service Centre on Tuesday mornings from 9am-12pm and Thursday afternoons from 1pm-4pm.

An explanation of the Online Process

If you have any difficulty completing the online application, please contact our general school office who will also be happy to help. 

If you wish, you may complete a paper application form and return this directly to the school office. We will then contact you about your application.

Paper Application Form

It is preferable for you to apply online as you will receive notification of the outcome immediately and your child will receive this benefit straight away. 

If you have any questions about free school meals, please contact the main school office on:

0208 985 2430