Get help with school costs: School Essentials Grant

If your child qualifies for Eligible Free School Meals (eFSM - means tested free school meals), you can also get extra financial help through the School Essentials Grant if they are of compulsory school age.

This grant helps with the cost of things your child needs for school.

What the grant covers

You can use the grant for:

School uniform and shoes
Sports kit for PE lessons
School bags
Equipment for lessons (like stationery)
IT equipment (like tablets or laptops)
Items for out-of-school activities that support learning

Who is eligible

Families with children of compulsory school age (Reception to Year 11) who qualify for Eligible Free School Meals (eFSM)
Young people looked after.

You do not need to apply separately if you have already applied for eFSM—the School Essentials Grant will be processed automatically if you qualify.

How much you can get

£200 per child if they’re in Year 7 (to help with the cost of starting secondary school)
£125 per child for all other compulsory school years (Reception - Year 11)

Payments are made once per academic year and are usually made within 10 working days after your eFSM application is approved.

Apply now

If you haven’t applied for eFSM yet, apply online. You do not need to apply separately if you have already applied for eFSM—the School Essentials Grant will be processed automatically if you qualify.

Apply for Eligible Free School Meals and the School Essentials Grant

To apply for the School Essentials Grant for a young person looked after, complete the School Essentials Grant Application for Young Person Looked After and email it to SUGS@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

If you need help, contact our SUGS (School Uniform Grant) team on 01437 764551 or SUGS@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

What happens after you apply

We’ll check your details and confirm if you’re eligible
If you qualify:

Your child will get free school meals - within 5 working days
We’ll pay the grant directly to you by bank transfer using the bank account details provided when you applied for free school meals (eFSM) - within 10 working days
If you’re not eligible, we’ll let you know within 10 working days

Need help?

Call: 01437 764551 

Email: SUGS@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Help with school meals and costs