Figures this calculator uses
- Most year groups
- £125 per child
- Starting Year 7
- £200 per child
- Year groups
- Reception to Year 11
How the grant works
The Welsh Government pays the School Essentials Grant through councils. If your family gets a benefit that qualifies for means-tested free school meals, you can claim it once for each child in each school year from Reception to Year 11. A child starting Year 7 gets £200 because of the extra cost of a new secondary uniform. Every other year group gets £125.
A child who is looked after by a council qualifies whatever the household’s benefits.
Worked example
A family in Swansea gets Universal Credit and their household take-home earnings are about £6,000 a year. In September 2026 they have one child starting Year 7 and one in Year 3.
- Year 7 child: £200
- Year 3 child: £125
- Total for 2026/27: £325, claimed from Swansea Council
Applying also tells the school your child is eligible for free school meals funding, which brings the school extra money through the Pupil Development Grant.
What this checker doesn’t cover
Councils make the final decision and set the closing date for claims. Children in independent schools, nursery and sixth form are not covered by this grant. If you’re waiting for a benefit decision, apply anyway and tell the council.
Questions people ask
How much is the School Essentials Grant?
£125 per child for each school year, or £200 for a child starting Year 7, to help with the extra costs of starting secondary school.
Who can get the School Essentials Grant?
Families in Wales with a child in Reception to Year 11 who get one of the benefits that qualify for means-tested free school meals. All looked-after children qualify. You can claim once per child per school year.
My child gets free school meals because all primary pupils do. Does that count?
Not on its own. Universal free school meals in Welsh primary schools are given to every pupil, whatever the family income. The grant depends on whether your family gets a qualifying benefit, so check the list in the calculator even if your child already has free meals.
What can I spend the grant on?
School uniform, shoes, coats, PE kit, bags, stationery, equipment for activities such as music or outdoor learning, and kit for trips.
How do I apply?
Through the council for the area where your child goes to school. Most councils have an online form, often combined with the free school meals application. Some councils pay the grant automatically if they already know you qualify.
Is there help with uniform in England or Scotland?
Scotland has a school clothing grant of at least £120 for primary and £150 for secondary pupils, paid by councils. England has no national grant, though some councils run their own schemes.