**Welsh Government Considers Reform to Free School Meal Scheme Amid Calls for Expansion**
The Welsh Government is actively reviewing its current policy on free school meals, sparking renewed debate over who should benefit from the initiative. At present, every primary school pupil in Wales is entitled to a free meal during the school day, regardless of family income. However, this entitlement does not automatically extend into secondary education, leaving many to question whether the system fairly supports the children most in need.
Critics have highlighted a discrepancy within the existing framework. While primary children from affluent families are able to receive complimentary meals, some secondary students from families on Universal Credit lose access unless their household income is below £7,400 per year. This income threshold, which applies specifically to children in secondary schools, has drawn criticism from education leaders, who argue that older pupils from less privileged backgrounds are at risk of missing out.
The debate comes in the wake of a recent announcement by the UK Government. Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed that, in England, all pupils whose parents are in receipt of Universal Credit – regardless of household income – will soon be eligible for free school meals. This major policy expansion is expected to benefit around half a million additional children, with the aim of easing pressures on families facing economic hardship.
Following these developments in England, Welsh Ministers are now coming under increasing pressure to follow suit. Speaking on the matter, a Welsh Government spokesperson remarked, “More than two thirds of Welsh learners can currently access a free school meal offer every day, including all primary school learners and eligible families in secondary school. We are keeping the eligibility criteria under review.”
Recent statistics reveal that 22.9% of Welsh children aged between five and fifteen qualify for free school meals based on family income. Importantly, for primary students, this benefit is automatic under the Universal Primary Free School Meal scheme, while eligibility at secondary level depends on strict income criteria, or specific circumstances such as receipt of certain benefits.
The conversation around free school meals in Wales is not only about access, but also about quality. The Welsh Government recently introduced a new health-focused meal plan following concerns over the nutritional value of school food. This step was seen by some as necessary after criticism that existing meal options failed to meet children’s dietary needs.
School leaders and campaigners continue to lobby for reform, with a number of secondary schools, including Monmouth High and St Martin’s in Caerphilly, establishing breakfast clubs after reports that many children were arriving at school hungry. Staff at these schools have noted that, even for those who do qualify for a free lunch, additional support is needed for snacks and breakfast, as many families still struggle to afford all meals during the school day.
Eligibility for free school meals in Wales is currently determined by a combination of benefits and income thresholds. These include Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, certain Child Tax Credit recipients, the guaranteed element of Pension Credit, specific immigration support, and Universal Credit provided the family’s annual earnings do not exceed the £7,400 cap, not counting benefits.
It is ultimately the responsibility of the local authority where a child attends school to assess cases and deliver free school meals. Foster children can also benefit from this scheme if their foster parents meet the set eligibility criteria, adding a further layer to an already complex system.
There remains clear demand among educators and families for the Welsh Government to widen the net, particularly to address the needs of secondary age children whose families receive Universal Credit. As the review process continues, policymakers will be weighing the potential benefits of parity with England’s new system against the financial implications for Welsh schools and local authorities. The outcome of this review will be significant, potentially reshaping the support available to some of the most vulnerable young people in Wales.