June 20, 2026 - 230 views
Thousands more secondary school pupils across Wales are set to benefit from free school meals after the Welsh Government announced a £15 million investment to begin expanding the scheme.
The funding, unveiled as part of the Welsh Government’s supplementary budget for the 2026-27 financial year, marks the first step towards extending eligibility to secondary school learners from families receiving Universal Credit by removing the current household earnings cap.
At present, secondary school pupils can only qualify for free school meals if their family receives Universal Credit and has annual earned income below £7,400, excluding benefits. Under the new plans, the income threshold will be removed.
The Welsh Government intends to begin rolling out the expanded scheme from September, when parents of pupils in Years 7 and 8 will be able to apply if they receive Universal Credit, regardless of their household income.
The £15 million package includes £10 million in capital funding to improve school kitchens and dining facilities, alongside £5 million in revenue funding to help schools introduce the expanded scheme and meet the additional costs of providing meals.
The move builds on the introduction of universal free school meals for all primary school children in Wales, delivered under the co-operation agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru from 2021 to 2024.
Cabinet Secretary for Education and the Welsh Language, Anna Brychan, said the investment was the beginning of a wider commitment to support more families.
“This funding marks the first step in our commitment to extend free school meals to more secondary pupils, ensuring that support reaches families who need it most,” she said.
“By starting to invest, we are laying the foundations for a fair and sustainable expansion that will make a real difference in pupils’ daily lives.
“This work is about removing barriers to learning and supporting wellbeing. We know that access to nutritious food improves concentration, attainment and overall health.”
She added that the Welsh Government was working with partners to deliver the expansion “effectively and at pace”, with further details to be announced.
First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said the changes formed part of the government’s wider strategy to tackle child poverty and reduce inequality.
“Extending eligibility to more families on Universal Credit is an important move in our wider effort to tackle child poverty and reduce inequalities across Wales,” he said.
“Starting this work is a key aspect of our 100 Day Plan and beyond – taking practical action by putting money back into families’ pockets and ensuring every young person has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background.”
The Welsh Government says the phased rollout will allow schools to prepare for increased demand while investing in the facilities needed to support more pupils accessing free school meals in the years ahead.
