The UK Government allocates additional funding to schools based on identified additional needs. Some of this funding is universal i.e. all UK schools receive the funding regardless of pupil context, and this is based on pupil numbers on roll. Some of this funding is allocated per individual pupil, based on individual context.
Update for September 2026
From September 2026, the eligibility criteria for free school meals (FSM) will expand to include pupils living in households in receipt of Universal Credit with an income above the current £7,400 threshold.
Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 continue to receive meals through the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme.
However, families who receive qualifying benefits are still encourages to register for Free School Meals, as this may enable the school to receive additional Pupil Premium funding to support pupils' learning and development.
Please use the links below to access the Hampshire County Council Free School Meals Register page and the Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) page.
HCC Free School Meals
HCC UIFSM
Please click the links below to see how St. Faith's utilises this additional funding.