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;
- Equipment for out of school hour’s trips such as outdoor learning e.g. waterproofs; and
- Non-uniform essential items such as clothing to support access and involvement in residential outdoor education.
The Funding is available to learners who are eligible for free school meals:
- Entering Reception in September 2025 at a rate of £125;
- Entering Year 1 in September 2025 at a rate of £125;
- Entering Year 2 in September 2025 at a rate of £125;
- Entering Year 3 in September 2025 at a rate of £125;
- Entering Year 4 in September 2025 at a rate of £125;
- Entering Year 5 in September 2025 at a rate of £125;
- Entering Year 6 in September 2025 at a rate of £125;
- Entering Year 7 in September 2025 at a rate of £200;
- Entering Year 8 in September 2025 at a rate of £125;
- Entering Year 9 in September 2025 at a rate of £125;
- Entering Year 10 in September 2025 at a rate of £125;
- Entering Year 11 in September 2025 at a rate of £125;
- For learners in special schools, special needs resource bases and pupil referral unit or education otherwise than at school (EOTAS) arranged by the local authority who are aged 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 in September 2025.
- For all looked after children of compulsory school age, regardless of their placement. The Local Authority in which the child attends school is responsible for issuing 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 and learners who receive a free school meal via the Welsh Government Universal Primary Free School Meals Scheme, do not qualify for this funding.
The scheme for the 2025/26 academic year will begin on 1st July 2025 and end on 31st May 2026.
Only one claim is allowed per learner, per academic year.
If you are a Parent or Carer, you will need a ten digit personal key-code (starting with ‘SEG25’) to process your application. Schools will inform families of any entitlement due before the end of the Summer Term in July 2025. 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.
Apply for the grant online
You can apply for your school essentials grant online
If you have any issues with the application process, please email; schoolessentialsgrant@rctcbc.gov.uk