The Scheme for 2025/26 has now closed. The scheme for 2026/27 will begin on 1st July 2026
Learners currently eligible for free school meals can apply for The School Essentials Grant of £125 per learner, and £200 for those learners entering year 7, recognising the increased costs associated with starting secondary school.
Pupils who receive Free School Meals due to transitional protection arrangements or receive Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM) only and not eFSM based on income/benefit related criteria do not qualify for this funding.
From January 2022 all school years are eligible.
All looked after children qualify for the grant, whether they receive free school meals or not.
Families are only entitled to claim once per child, per school year.
The scheme for the 2025/26 academic year will begin on 1st July 2025 and ended on 31st May 2026.
The scheme for the 2026/27 academic year will begin on 1st July 2026.
Contact Information
Contact the Benefits Team
Email benefits@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk or telephone 01495 311556 for further information about this grant.