88% of those eligible have claimed their free School Essentials
grant to help with costs like school uniform, shoes, bags, sports
kit and equipment. Have you claimed yours?
Children of families on lower incomes who receive certain
benefits, those seeking asylum and children in care can claim
£125 per year to help with school costs. Because of the extra
cost families might face when their children start secondary
school, £200 is available for eligible pupils going into year 7.
It could also mean extra funding for your school.
There’s still time to check eligibility and apply for
this year’s funding now before applications close on 31 May.
You can apply every year for each of your children. Pupils from
all kinds of education settings are eligible as long as they are
aged 5-16. This applies to pupils in all schools and settings,
including special schools and pupil referral units.
Headteacher of Ysgol Gymunedol Trimsaran, Steffan Jones,
explained how the grant helps pupils at his school: “You want
every child to be treated the same, and you want every child to
have the same experiences. These grants do help, so that all
children can get involved and enjoy their time at school, not
just those who can afford it.”
The grant can be used to pay for:
- school uniform, including coats and shoes.
- school activities, like learning a musical instrument, sports
kit and equipment for after school activities.
- classroom essentials, like pens, pencils and bags.
Even if your child already receives a Free School Meal, you still
need to check eligibility to access the School Essentials Grant
and extra funding for your school. To find out more about the
Schools Essentials Grant and to check eligibility, visit Get help with school costs
| GOV.WALES
