Information: Universal infant free school meals and further education free meals per meal rate increase for the academic year 2024 to 2025

We can confirm an increase to the per-meal rate for universal infant free school meals (UIFSM). The rate will be increased from £2.53 to £2.58 for 2024 to 2025, backdated to the start of the academic year.

You will receive this increase alongside the final allocation of UIFSM for 2024 to 2025 in June 2025.

For those local authorities with 16 to 19 provision, we can also confirm an increase to the per-meal rate for free meals in further education. The rate will be increased from £2.53 to £2.58 for 2024 to 2025, backdated to the start of the academic year.

You will receive an additional further education free meals payment in February to increase the amount of funding you received at the start of the academic year. You will receive your final one-third payment for the academic year in April as usual.