The Purpose of the Scheme is to provide grant assistance to families on lower incomes for the purchase of:
- School uniform including coats and shoes;
- School sports kit including footwear;
- IT Equipment: laptop and tablets ONLY (School Essentials Grant should only be used in a limited situation, where a school is unable to loan equipment to the family);
- Uniform for enrichment activities, including but not limited to, scouts; guides; cadets; martial arts; sports; performing arts or dance;
- Equipment e.g. school bags and stationery;
- Specialist equipment where new curriculum activities begin such as design and technology; and
- Equipment for out of school hour’s trips such as outdoor learning e.g. waterproofs.
The Funding is available to learners who are eligible for free school meals:
- Entering Reception in September 2023 at a rate of £125;
- Entering Year 1 in September 2023 at a rate of £125;
- Entering Year 2 in September 2023 at a rate of £125;
- Entering Year 3 in September 2023 at a rate of £125;
- Entering Year 4 in September 2023 at a rate of £125;
- Entering Year 5 in September 2023 at a rate of £125;
- Entering Year 6 in September 2023 at a rate of £125;
- Entering Year 7 in September 2023 at a rate of £200;
- Entering Year 8 in September 2023 at a rate of £125;
- Entering Year 9 in September 2023 at a rate of £125;
- Entering Year 10 in September 2023 at a rate of £125;
- Entering Year 11 in September 2023 at a rate of £125;
- For learners in special schools, special needs resource bases and pupil referral units who are aged 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 in September 2023.
- For looked after children of compulsory school age and are classed as looked after by a local authority. The local authority in which the child looked after attends school is responsible for the grant.
- Funding may also be available to learners with No Recourse to Public Funds in year groups Reception to Year 11.
Learners who receive Free School Meals due to transitional protection arrangements do
not qualify for this funding.
The scheme for the 2023/24 academic year will begin on 1st July 2023 and end on 31st May 2024.
Only one claim is allowed per learner, per academic year.
If you are a Parent or Carer, you will need a personal key-code to process your application. Schools will inform families of any entitlement due before the end of the Summer Term in July 2023. For Year 7 entries and above the Secondary/All Through school will inform you of any entitlement due. If you do not have this and you think you may be entitled to the grant, please contact your school in the first instance.