School essentials grant
Apply for school essentials grant
The school essentials grant, funded by the Welsh government funds free school meals and equipment for children with families on low incomes.
All primary school pupils in Newport receive free school meals through the universal free school meals.
If your child is in primary school and receiving universal free school meals and you have a low household income (set out in the eligibility criteria below), you should still complete an application form for free school meals.
You may be entitled to further support and your school may also receive additional funding.
To receive free school meals support, you have to apply for the school essentials grant.
The grant helps families on low incomes with:
- school uniform (including coats and shoes)
- school sports kit
- uniform for activities such as, scouts, guides, cadets, sports and performing arts
- school equipment (school bags and stationery)
- laptops or tablets
- equipment for out of school trips such as outdoor learning (waterproofs)
Who is eligible?
Eligible pupils can receive this funding for the September 2024/25 school year.
A payment of £125 will be made per pupil in all qualifying school years.
Pupils entering Year 7 will each receive a payment of £200.
Children that are eligible:
- entering reception class or years 1 - 6 of maintained primary schools
- entering year 7 - 11 of maintained secondary schools
- aged 4 - 15 years in special schools, special needs resource bases or pupil referral units
- all looked-after children of school age
Pupils who receive free school meals under the universal primary free school meal scheme do not qualify for this funding.
Eligibility criteria
Pupils will be eligible for a free school meal and a school essentials grant if parents/carers are in receipt of one of the following benefits:
You could be entitled to free school meals if you receive:
- Income Support
- Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income Related Employment Support Allowance
- Child Tax Credit (annual household income less than £16,190)
- Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit
- National Asylum Seekers Support Benefit
- Universal Credit household annual income less than £7400.
Note: parents / carers who receive Working Tax Credit, will not have the additional support.
Transitional protection
Any free school meals applications made from 1 January 2024 will not receive transitional protection.
If your circumstances change, entitlement to free school meals will end if you no longer meet the eligibility criteria.
Pupils who currently receive free school meals prior to 1 January 2024 will have their eligibility protected until the child comes to the end of their current phase of education (primary/secondary school).
Education maintenance allowance (EMA)
Pupils ages 16-18 in Wales who want to continue their education after school leaving age.
Students living in Newport and attending schools, sixth forms or colleges after the school leaving age can apply for EMA.
Find out more information on the Student Finance Wales website.