Inputs
School-level FSM eligibility from the October 2025 census.
School-level FSM eligibility from the October 2026 census.
Free School Meals Expansion Grant calculator
Free tool
Estimate England's 2026 to 2027 FSM expansion grant using the published DfE methodology for mainstream, new/growing, and special/AP settings.
Outputs
The 2026 to 2027 grant funds the additional FSM entitlement for September 2026 to March 2027.
Formula
max(October 2026 FSM pupils - October 2025 FSM pupils, 0)
Measured eligible pupil increase
0
September to March rate
£295.00
April to August academy rate
£210.00
September 2026 to March 2027 grant£0.00
April 2027 to August 2027 academy grant£0.00
Total indicative grant£0.00
Payment profile
- September 2026 to March 2027 grant: £0.00
- April 2027 to August 2027 academy grant: £0.00
Useful resources
Guidance and use
- Mainstream school allocations are based on measured increases in FSM eligibility from October 2025 to October 2026, with decreases floored at zero.
- New/growing mainstream schools use average FSM eligibility per year group before applying the October 2026 year-group count.
- Special/AP mode estimates the local-authority allocation; individual school pass-through depends on whether meals are already funded through top-up or other funding.
- Early years and further education funding are outside this calculator because DfE covers those routes separately.
Important note
Indicative calculator only. It does not replace official DfE allocations, grant conditions, local authority pass-through decisions, or academy payment notices.