A complex picture: The challenge of calculating UK-wide figures
Determining an exact, single figure for how many people in the UK are on free school meals is complex because education policy is a devolved matter. This means eligibility rules, income thresholds, and universal provisions differ significantly between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. While central government and national statistics provide data for each nation, combining them is not straightforward. Furthermore, the number fluctuates due to economic changes, cost of living crises, and policy shifts, such as the major eligibility expansion announced for England in June 2025.
Eligibility varies drastically across the four nations
Across the UK, eligibility is not uniform. A significant divide exists between means-tested criteria for older students and universal provision for infants. As of late 2025, England has different rules than Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with upcoming changes set to further alter the landscape.
Eligibility overview
- England: In England, all children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 receive universal infant free school meals, regardless of their family's income. For older children (Year 3 to 11), means-testing applies. As of late 2025, families on Universal Credit must have a net earned income of no more than £7,400 per year to be eligible. However, a major policy change announced in June 2025 will extend eligibility to all households on Universal Credit from September 2026, regardless of income, making half a million more pupils eligible. In addition, London has a separate universal primary free school meals scheme funded by the Mayor.
- Scotland: Scotland provides universal free school meals for all pupils in Primary 1 to Primary 5. Means-tested eligibility for older primary and secondary pupils includes families on benefits such as Universal Credit with a monthly earning threshold of £850 or less, which is higher than England's current income threshold. Expansion plans to include all primary pupils have been delayed.
- Wales: Wales has been rolling out universal free school meals for all primary school pupils, with the full rollout expected by the end of 2024. Similar to other nations, a means-tested system applies for secondary school pupils, with eligibility tied to families receiving certain benefits.
- Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland has no universal infant provision but operates a means-tested system for all age groups. The income threshold for eligibility under Universal Credit is considerably higher than England's, set at £15,390 net earned income per year as of late 2025. Data from 2024/25 indicated 26.2% of pupils were entitled to FSM.
Current statistics on free school meals
As policies and data collection vary, recent figures are best viewed by nation. Here is a breakdown based on the latest available data:
- England: In January 2024, approximately 2.1 million children were eligible for means-tested FSM, or 24.6% of the pupil population. This figure is separate from the universal provision for infants, which covered another 1.25 million pupils in June 2022. The September 2026 expansion will significantly increase these numbers.
- Scotland: In 2022, around 80,265 pupils qualified under eligibility rules, with an additional 100,000 younger primary pupils receiving universal meals. These numbers reflect the staggered roll-out of universal provision.
- Wales: In 2022, approximately 100,000 pupils qualified under eligibility criteria, representing 20% of the student population. The rollout of universal primary provision since then will have changed this figure.
- Northern Ireland: For the 2024/25 academic year, 90,935 pupils were entitled to FSM, making up 26.2% of the pupil population.
Key policy developments affecting school meal provision
Major policy changes are impacting the number of eligible children and how families are supported. The cost of living crisis has put immense pressure on low-income families, driving up demand and highlighting existing gaps in provision.
Key developments include:
- Expanded Eligibility in England: The June 2025 announcement that all Universal Credit recipients in England will become eligible for FSM from September 2026 marks a significant expansion. This will add over half a million more pupils to the FSM scheme, reducing the number of children in poverty who are currently missing out.
- Universal Provision Rollouts: The move towards universal provision for all primary school children in Wales and the ongoing, though delayed, plans in Scotland show a shift away from strict means-testing for younger pupils. This reduces stigma and ensures more children have access to a nutritious meal.
- Targeted Support for Vulnerable Groups: Since April 2022, permanent access to FSM has been extended to children from households with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) who meet specific income thresholds. This addresses a critical gap for highly vulnerable families.
Comparison Table: Free School Meal Eligibility by UK Nation
| Feature | England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Provision | Universal Infant (Reception to Year 2), London-wide primary | P1-P5 universal, expansion to all primary planned | Universal for all primary pupils by 2024 | No universal provision |
| UC Income Threshold (Older Pupils) | £7,400 (changing to all UC from Sep 2026) | £850/month (means-tested) | Means-tested for secondary pupils | £15,390/year (means-tested) |
| Eligible Children (Means-tested) | 2.1m (Jan 2024), additional 500k+ by Sep 2026 | 80,265 (2022, primary/secondary means-tested) | 100,000 (2022, means-tested) | 90,935 (2024/25) |
| Key Policy Shift | Expansion to all UC households (Sep 2026), London universal primary | Expansion to P6/P7 delayed | Universal primary rollout complete by 2024 | Higher income threshold than England |
The impact of free school meals
Access to free school meals has a profound impact that extends beyond simply providing a meal. Research shows significant benefits for children's health, education, and overall well-being.
- Improved Health: FSM helps combat food insecurity, which is linked to poor physical and mental health outcomes in children. For many from low-income families, it is the only nutritious hot meal they receive all day.
- Better Attainment: Properly nourished children have better concentration, memory, and energy levels, leading to improved academic performance. Studies suggest that high-quality FSM can lead to a 2–3 month gain in academic progress.
- Reduced Stigma: Universal provision helps reduce the stigma associated with receiving free meals, fostering a more inclusive environment and encouraging more children to take up the meals.
- Financial Relief: FSM provides significant financial relief for low-income families, allowing them to redirect household budgets towards other essentials, especially during the cost of living crisis.
Conclusion
While a precise single figure for how many people in the UK are on free school meals is elusive due to the different policies of the devolved nations, recent data and policy changes provide a clear picture. Eligibility criteria vary widely, with England previously having the strictest means-testing for older pupils, though this is set to change dramatically in September 2026 with the Universal Credit expansion. Universal provision for infants and some primary year groups across England, Scotland, and Wales ensures millions of younger children benefit. These meals are a vital nutritional and educational safety net for millions of children, impacting their health, well-being, and academic success. The ongoing policy shifts, influenced by economic pressures and advocacy, continue to reshape the landscape of school meal provision throughout the UK. For more detailed information, families can check resources like the Turn2us website for guidance on eligibility.
