Letters

Uniform Swaps and Free School Meal Eligibility Changes from September 2026

Posted on by Leigh Academy Wilmington
11
Jul

Dear Parents/Carers

RE: Uniform Swaps and Free School Meal Eligibility Changes from September 2026

As we come towards the end of the school year now is a great time to assess your child’s uniform situation to check if there are any items that could be donated to Leigh Academy Wilmington’s Uniform Swap Shop. 

Uniform Swap Shop Collection

Thanks to the generosity of our parents and carers, Leigh Academy Wilmington has built up a collection of spare school uniform items available for families in need. However, there are certain items we are always in need of – such as ties, shirts or blouses, skirts, P.E. kits, and school shoes. If your child has any uniform they no longer use and you would like to donate it, please drop it off at the main reception.

The process for requesting new items of uniform is even easier than before. If you need to use the swap shop service please complete the Google form  by following the link below –

Uniform Swap Shop Form

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me at stephen.staunton@wilmington.latrust.org.uk.

Free School Meals Provisions

There have been recent changes to the eligibility requirements for access to free school meals which will come into effect in September 2026. Now any child in England whose parents receive Universal Credit will be able to claim free school meals from September 2026. Previously households had to earn less than £7,400 per year but this cap has now been removed.

Your child may be entitled to free school meals provided by the academy. By making an early application for free school meals we are able to plan for the upcoming academic year. 

For your child to qualify for free school meals you will need to be able to prove that you are in receipt and can provide the relevant proof of one of the following benefits:

  • Universal Credit
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • The guarantee element of Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
  • Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

If you feel that your child may be entitled to free school meals you can make an application through Kent County Council by using the following link – https://www.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/kent/apply 

Please find below some useful information and links in relation to further potential support that may be available to you:

If you need any help with completing the application please feel free to contact me at stephen.staunton@wilmington.latrust.org.uk.

Yours faithfully

Mr S Staunton | Leigh Academy Wilmington

Leigh Academy Wilmington