Free School Meals (FSM) Changes from September 2026 – Action Required - UPDATED 12/06/26 3.07PM
Dear Parents/Carers
The Government will be bringing in changes to Free School Meals (FSM) from September 2026. Information can be found at the following Cheshire West and Chester link and is copied below.
https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/education-and-learning/free-school-meals
We have been informed by Cheshire West and Chester Council that Parents/Carers currently in receipt of free school meals DO NOT need to re-apply. (This information is different to what was originally sent following clarification from the benefits team edited 12/06/26 3.07pm)
Free school meals
Many families in the borough are struggling to afford the basics, but lots of children who are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) are not yet receiving them.
The benefits of FSM
- savings of more than £450 a year per child
- saves time making packed lunches
- your child gets a healthy tasty, cooked meal
- children achieve more when they've had a cooked lunch
- school gets extra funding to help children in their education (pupil premium- for Targeted FSM)
Eligibility
Income assessed FSM - 2026/27 school year
Information for the 2025/26 school year is at the bottom of this page.
Your child will be able to get FSM if you receive any of the following:
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Universal Credit – however see below details
From the start of the 2026/27 school year, all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit will be entitled to receive a free school meal. However, there will be 2 categories of Universal Credit based FSM :
- Targeted FSM: which continues to be based on the existing threshold, covering pupils who are in households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less
- Expanded FSM: a new category covering pupils who do not qualify for targeted FSM, but who are in households receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings above £7,400.
From September 2026, other education entitlements linked to FSM (such as the Holiday Activities and Food programme, and School Travel Assistance) will be based upon those who meet the Targeted FSM criteria. Those who fall into the expanded FSM group will be entitled to meals only.
Under the new criteria, your FSM eligibility will be checked annually and the result will be valid for the full academic year.
If you receive Universal Credit and do not currently qualify for FSM due to earning over the threshold of £7,400, but would now qualify from September 2026, you can now apply in advance.
Apply for Free School Meals
Transitional Protections
Since 1 April 2018, all existing FSM claimants have continued to receive free school meals whilst Universal Credit is rolled out, regardless of any change in household circumstances that would have ended eligibility.
However this protection will end at the close of the 2025/26 school year and households must meet the eligibility criteria for FSM to continue receiving this support.
School Holiday Support payment
If you receive Free School Meals and wish to claim support during the school holidays, please see our School holiday support payment page.
Changes to tell us about
- you start work and come off benefits
- your benefit changes
- you change address
- your child changes school
- you have another child starting school for the first time
Report a change in circumstances
Kind regards
Mrs Rowlands
School Business Manager
Why good Attendance Matters
Regular attendance is key to a learner’s success. Every lesson builds on the last, and missing sessions can make it harder for learners to keep up, affect confidence, and impact achievement.
At Upton-by-Chester High School, we work closely with parents and carers to support excellent attendance. If your child is absent, please inform the school office as soon as possible via (01244) 259800 or admin@uptonhigh.co.uk and provide a clear reason. Tutors and pastoral staff monitor attendance carefully and will contact parents/ carers if patterns of absence arise.
By attending school consistently, learners not only improve academically but also develop responsibility, resilience, and readiness for future opportunities. Together, we can help every learner achieve their best.
A reminder that learners, including those in our 6th form, must be on site by 8.35 a.m. ready for registration at 8.40 a.m. Registers close at 9.15 a.m. and arrival after this time will result in a U code (unauthorised morning absence)
Thank you for your continued support.
Mrs K McCarthy
Aspens Cooking Programme Opportunity for Year 12 learners
We are excited to offer Year 12 learners the opportunity to take part in a new extracurricular cooking programme in partnership with Aspens.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1YULE3yqLETOHgzyKqR7TypbLbLrFPfCuOB39GI_FWGM/edit?usp=sharing
The programme is designed to help learners develop practical cooking skills that will support them in university, independent living, and everyday life. It may also be of interest to those considering a future career in hospitality, catering, or the wider food industry.
During these after-school sessions, learners will learn how to prepare healthy and affordable meals for four people on a budget of just £5. Sessions will take place in the school kitchen and will provide step-by-step guidance to help learners build confidence and develop valuable life skills.
As an added benefit, Aspens will provide the ingredients for learners to take home so they can recreate the meal independently and practice their new skills. There is no cost to learners, as both the programme and ingredients are provided free of charge.
Key benefits include:
• Learning to cook affordable, nutritious meals
• Developing confidence and independence
• Preparing for university and independent living
• Exploring careers in hospitality and catering
• Receiving free ingredients to practise at home
Places are limited to approximately 10–12 learners per session. Sessions will run after school on selected dates throughout the term. Learners who are interested in taking part should speak to their form tutors or Miss Downs.
A huge congratulations to all the Year 9 and Year 10 learners who represented the school at the Chester and District Athletics Meet held at Deeside.
The teams achieved some fantastic results:
Year 9 Girls – 2nd place, missing out on first place to Heber by just 3 points.
Year 10 Girls – 6th place.
Year 9 Boys – 2nd place, narrowly behind Heber.
Year 10 Boys – Chester and District Champions!
The following learners came in the top 3 in Chester and District. Certificates are on the way to them.
Year 9 Girls
- Bel RH - 1st, Shot Put
- Liv Z - 1st, 200m; 3rd, Javelin
- Lyra R - 2nd, 800m; 2nd, High Jump
- Nell H - 3rd, 1500m
- Jess E - 3rd, Hurdles
Year 10 Girls
- Amber S - 3rd, 800m
- Natasha J- 1st, Triple Jump
- Gracie H - 3rd, 200m
Year 9 Boys
- Caleb M - 1st, Javelin
- Nate C- 1st, 300m (setting a new Chester and District record of 40.04 seconds); 1st, High Jump
- Jamie W - 1st, 1500m
- Kadan P - 1st, Hurdles (setting a new Chester and District record of 17.33 seconds)
- Sam C -1st, Triple Jump
- Finlay S -3rd, 800m
- Year 9 Boys Relay Team -1st Place
Year 10 Boys
- Joe D - 3rd, 200m
- Jack M - 3rd, 800m
- Nikodem T - 2nd, Discus
- Adam R- 3rd, Javelin
- Ollie S - 3rd, Long Jump
- Alfie HM - 3rd, High Jump
- Elliot Q-2nd, 1500m
English Schools Athletics Success
A combined Year 9 and Year 10 boys' team also achieved an outstanding result in the Cheshire round of the English Schools Athletics competition, finishing 2nd overall and qualifying for the North West B Final. The team then went on to finish 12th in the North West of England, an excellent achievement.
The team consisted of: Caleb M, Sam C, Eden D, Ollie S, Jack M, Zach S, Adam R, Jamie W, Elliot Q, Kaidan P, Nate C, Joe D, Dan P, Luca J and Hamza S.
Congratulations to all athletes involved for their hard work, commitment and outstanding performances throughout the season.
Year 10 Rounders Team
Well done to the Year 10 Rounders Team, who successfully reached the semi-finals of the Chester and District competition. Unfortunately, the British weather brought the competition to an early end, but the team should be extremely proud of reaching the semi-final stage and representing the school so well.
Last chance to purchase Year 11 and Year 13 Group Photos
Dear Parent/Carer,
As the end of the school year approaches, we would like to remind you that it’s not too late to purchase the leavers group photograph via : www.tempest-orders.co.uk
Please enter the following reference number, followed by your email and name to view on the website.
Year 11 – Reference No. 8ACC30F41F
Year 13 – Reference No. 1CF7EEF42D
If you need assistance or have any questions regarding placing an order, please call 01736 751555 (option 3) or click on the “contact” button on our website home page (htempest.co.uk) where our friendly team will be happy to help.
Tempest Photography
Updating Parent/ Carer Contact Details
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