Wandsworth to extend free school meals a year ahead of national rollout

Wandsworth Council is set to broaden access to free school meals for secondary school students starting in September 2025. The initiative extends eligibility to all children whose families qualify under the council’s Access for All programme, significantly increasing the number of pupils able to access a free school meal.

Previously, only families earning below £7,400 annually were eligible for free school meals for children of secondary school age. The government is set to expand eligibility to all children in families in receipt of Universal Credit in England from September 2026. The new criteria in Wandsworth aim to alleviate financial burdens on families and ensures that more students receive nutritious meals during the school day a full year ahead of the national government roll out.

Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children, emphasised the importance of this expansion:

"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."

Sustain welcomes this move by Wandsworth Council, who join other London boroughs including Tower Hamlets, Westminster and Southwark in offering expanded free school meal entitlement to secondary school pupils. 

In February the School Food Review group, of which Sustain is a leading member produced an updated Superpowers of School Food report, providing an overview of robust evidence that free school meals increase children’s intake of fruit and vegetables, contribute to reduced obesity rates, and help to narrow health inequalities. They are also associated with improved wellbeing for both pupils and parents, while alleviating pressure on household finances.

Children's Food Campaign Officer, Naema Jannath respond to the positive news:

We are thrilled to see that Wandworth Council says yes to school food for all. Wandsworth’s decision demonstrates that meaningful change is both possible and achievable now, and we remain committed to advocating until free school meals are guaranteed for every child in every school. It is  essential that alongside broadening eligibility, the quality of these meals remains a priority too.

Comprehensive polling of over 2000 parents conducted by Savanta for Sustain, revealed that further expansion of free school meals as the most popular policy measure, backed by 9 in 10 (89%) of parents.   

The Wandworth initiative is expected to save families up to £500 per child annually. Additionally, the council has extended its School Uniform Support Scheme to include families eligible for the Access for All programme, providing vouchers worth £45 for children starting Reception and £170 for those starting Year 7. The council has confirmed there will be no increase in Council Tax as a result of this initiative. These efforts are part of Wandsworth’s broader commitment to tackling food insecurity and promoting children's health and wellbeing.

To show your support for the Say Yes to School Food for All campaign, add your name to our map and join others advocating for free, healthy meals for every child.

For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit the Wandsworth Council website.