04/02/2026
Many parents don’t know this, so a quick heads up for families in North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire.
If you qualify for free school meals and apply, your child’s school can receive extra funding as well as providing the meals.
More registered pupils = more support money for the school. That funding is used for extra resources, targeted help and pupil support.
Key point:
Even though all P1 to P5 pupils get free lunches automatically, you should still apply if you meet the benefit criteria. Automatic meals do not always count toward school funding. Approved applications do.
If you might be eligible, it is worth applying. It helps your child and it helps the school.
https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/form/free-school-meals-and-clothing-g
https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/form/free-school-meals-and-clothing-g