NewsStory

Wales expands free school meals to eligible Year 7 and 8 pupils

KROV newsroom

12 Nov 2026, 5:08 am IST1 min read

DiscussionThe story behind the news.

Painted illustration of a lunch tray and cup on a school cafeteria table.

Wales is expanding free school meals to Year 7 and 8 pupils whose households receive Universal Credit, regardless of household income. The Welsh Government said on November 6 that more than half of local authorities had already started providing meals under the expanded rules and that all would do so by January 2027.

Previously, secondary pupils in households on Universal Credit could qualify only if household earnings were below £7,400, excluding benefits. The income cap has been removed for the two year groups in this phase.

Parents and carers should register eligible children with their local authority, the Welsh Government said.

Cover image is an AI-generated editorial illustration.

Sources and credits

Credit: Welsh Government, GOV.WALES (Crown copyright)

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