Wandsworth to significantly expand free school meals eligibility

This proposal will provide a free school meal to all children in secondary schools who are eligible for Wandsworth’s Access for All offer. Previously, only children whose parents had an income of below £7,400 qualified, but the council is significantly expanding the cohort of eligible as children go back to school this September. 

This change will take the cost away from families and support pupils’ wellbeing and focus in the classroom by providing them with a free, nutritious meal during the school day. 

Local parents have welcomed the expansion. One said: “As a parent, this news is reassuring. Knowing our children will get a healthy meal at school means they go in calmer, and read to learn, it makes such a difference to the school day.” 

The expansion is expected to save families up to £500 per child over the year. The announcement follows the recent extension of Wandsworth’s School Uniform Support Scheme, which now includes families eligible for the council’s Access for All programme. The scheme provides vouchers worth £45 for children starting Reception and £170 for those starting Year 7 to help with uniform costs. 

Wandsworth is committed to tackling food insecurity and promoting children's health and wellbeing. The council recently expanded its free breakfast club scheme from 20 to 40 primary schools in partnership with Magic Breakfast, helping thousands of children start the day with a nutritious meal. This builds on Wandsworth’s ongoing efforts to ensure no child begins their school day hungry. 

Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children, said: “We know the difference a good meal makes, not just for children’s health and wellbeing, but for their ability to learn as well. 

“Expanding free school meals to more secondary pupils is an important step in making sure every child has the support they need to thrive. Wandsworth is a great place to grow up. No child should be excluded from the benefits because they’re going hungry. 

“We’re proud to lead the way in providing this vital support to families across Wandsworth.” 

Another parent added: “This is the kind of real, practical help families like ours need. Free school meals might seem small, but they make a huge impact. It’s one less thing to worry about and it helps our child thrive.” 

This expansion is part of Wandsworth Council’s wider commitment to fairness and opportunity through programmes such as Access for All, the School Uniform Support Scheme and the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme. The free school meal expansion is being paid for by Wandsworth Council’s Access for All Fund and won’t add a penny on to Council Tax.