October 31, 2026 - 193 views
More secondary school pupils across North Wales are set to benefit from free school meals, following the Welsh Government's expansion of the scheme.
Denbighshire County Council is among a number of local authorities in the region introducing the latest phase of the programme, which extends eligibility to pupils in Years 7 and 8.
The expansion forms part of the Welsh Government's wider commitment to provide free school meals to all primary school children and extend support into secondary education, helping families with the cost of living and ensuring young people have access to a nutritious meal during the school day.
Denbighshire says eligible pupils in Years 7 and 8 will be able to receive free school meals from Monday, November 2nd.
The changes mean families receiving Universal Credit will qualify regardless of their household earnings. Previously, secondary school pupils claiming through Universal Credit had to meet an annual net earnings threshold of £7,400.
The Welsh Government announced an additional £15 million in funding in June to help councils introduce the expansion, including investment in school kitchens, dining facilities and additional staffing.
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Conwy County Borough Council has also confirmed it is accepting applications, with eligible pupils due to start receiving meals on November 2nd.
Conwy County Borough Council
The expansion is being introduced through local authorities, with arrangements and application processes varying between areas.
Parents and carers are being encouraged to contact their own local council to find out whether their child qualifies, when applications are open and how to register. This is particularly important for families in Conwy, Gwynedd, Flintshire and Wrexham, as well as Denbighshire.
The scheme initially covers eligible pupils in Years 7 and 8, with the Welsh Government intending to extend support to more secondary school pupils in future.
