--- title: "Changes to Free School Meals" url: "https://the-ridgeway-school-sixth-form-college.schudio.com/news/2026-06-09-changes-to-free-school-meals" school: "The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College" --- # Changes to Free School Meals 9 June 2026 Please be informed of important changes to Free School Meals (FSM) that will take effect from September 2026. From now for September 2026: - All families must reapply for Free School Meals – eligibility will no longer automatically continue. (Application open from June 1st). - Eligibility will be based on current household circumstances. There will be two FSM categories: - Targeted FSM – for families on certain benefits or with household earnings of £7,400 or less. This includes additional support such as the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. - Expanded FSM – for families on Universal Credit with earnings above £7,400. Meals will be provided, but additional funding and benefits will not apply. Please find the link below to apply for FSM 2026: [Free school meals \| Swindon Borough Council](https://www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20050/schools_and_learning/408/free_school_meals) It is essential that all parents/carers complete a new application before September to ensure continued entitlement. Applications can be made via the Swindon Borough Council website. If you are unable to apply online, please collect a paper application form from reception. We strongly encourage all families who may be eligible to apply as soon as possible. If you have any questions or would like support with your application, please do not hesitate to contact the school. Changes to FSM guidance from September 2026 310 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-ridgeway-school-sixth-form-college/files/documents/FSM_2627_Parents.pdf) FSM Application form 2026 183 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-ridgeway-school-sixth-form-college/files/documents/Annex_A_-_FSM_Paper_Application_Form.pdf) [ TWHF Shortlisted for Two Awards at ‘The Oscars of Education’](https://the-ridgeway-school-sixth-form-college.schudio.com/news/2026-05-08-twhf-shortlisted-for-two-awards-at-the-oscars-of-education-25) [A Proactive Approach to Allergy Management ](https://the-ridgeway-school-sixth-form-college.schudio.com/news/2026-06-30-a-proactive-approach-to-allergy-management-25) ### School News - [Latest News](https://the-ridgeway-school-sixth-form-college.schudio.com/news) - [Newsletters](https://the-ridgeway-school-sixth-form-college.schudio.com/newsletters) - Celebrating Our Strongest Outcomes - [GCSE Results](https://the-ridgeway-school-sixth-form-college.schudio.com/gcse-results) - [A-Level Results](https://the-ridgeway-school-sixth-form-college.schudio.com/a-level-results) ![The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College](https://files.schudio.com/the-ridgeway-school-sixth-form-college/images/logo/Image_copy.png) **The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College** Inverary Road Wroughton Swindon Wiltshire SN4 9DJ Tel: 01793 846100 ### Useful Links - [Privacy Policy](https://thewhitehorsefederation.org.uk/privacy-policy) - [Cookies](https://thewhitehorsefederation.org.uk/cookies) - [GDPR](https://thewhitehorsefederation.org.uk/about-our-trust/gdpr) - [Modern Slavery Statement](https://thewhitehorsefederation.org.uk/modern-slavery-statement) - [Equality Act](https://files.schudio.com/the-white-horse-federation/files/documents/policies/08_SP_V1_Equality,_Diversity_and_Inclusion_Policy_2026.pdf) ### Useful Links - [Behaviour Policy](https://files.schudio.com/the-white-horse-federation/files/documents/04_SP_V9_Behaviour_Policy_2026(1).pdf) - [Careers](https://the-ridgeway-school-sixth-form-college.schudio.com/about-us/careers) - [Curriculum ](https://the-ridgeway-school-sixth-form-college.schudio.com/learning-education/curriculum/overview) - [Arbor payments](https://the-ridgeway-school-sixth-form-college.schudio.com/parents-students/arbor-payments) - [Contact Us](https://the-ridgeway-school-sixth-form-college.schudio.com/contact) Proud to be a part of [**The White Horse Federation**](https://thewhitehorsefederation.org.uk/) [![](https://the-ridgeway-school-sixth-form-college.schudio.com/images/TWHF.png)](https://thewhitehorsefederation.org.uk/) Registered in England: Company Number: **08075785** Registered Office: Plymouth St, Swindon SN1 2LB © Copyright 2023–2026 The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://the-ridgeway-school-sixth-form-college.schudio.com/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)