School Attendance and Pupil Welfare
School Essentials Grant
Contents:
Overview
If your child is in school and receives free school meals, you may be eligible for a School Essentials Grant to help with the cost of key school items.
Also known as:
- Pupil Development Grant (PDG Access)
- Uniform Grant
What you get
- £200 for children in Year 7
- £125 for children in all other years
- Apply between 1 July 2025 and 31 May 2026
If you received the grant last year and are still eligible, you may get an automatic payment in mid-July.
What it covers
You can use the grant for:
- School uniforms and footwear
- Sports kit and equipment
- School trips, after-school clubs, music lessons
- Classroom supplies (e.g. pens, bags)
- A laptop or tablet (if not loaned by school)
Who’s eligible
Your child must be eligible for means tested free school meals. This is different from the Universal primary free school meals
scheme.
You may qualify if you receive:
- Income Support (income-based)
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Child Tax Credit (income under £16,190)
- Pension Credit (guarantee)
- Universal Credit (net earnings under £7,400)
- Support under the Immigration and Asylum Seekers Act 1999
- The grant is not awarded to pupils beyond year 11 and children must be of "compulsory" school age to be eligible. (Compulsory school age - under section 8 of the Education Act 1996, children become of compulsory school age on the 31st December, 31st March and 31st August (whichever comes first) following their 5th birthday).
- All looked after or foster children qualify, but an application is still needed.
In some cases, you may need to receive one of these even if your child receives free school meals. Check other help available if you are not eligible for this grant.
How to apply
Applications open 1 July 2025. You'll need:
- Your contact details
- Your child’s school name
- National Insurance number
- Bank details
Apply from 1 July 2025 to 31 May 2026.
After applying
You will receive a confirmation email of your application, and we will let you know what happens next.
Contact information
01437 775845