You can apply for free school meals by getting an application form from your child’s school, or by printing one from Durham’s free school meals page. Once it’s completed, send it to your child’s school — not to the Council.
| Application route | What you need to do | Link |
|---|---|---|
| No paperwork required | Complete the form and give permission for Durham to check eligibility on your behalf | free school meals application form |
| Paperwork required | Complete the form and provide proof of eligibility to the school | free school meals application form |
If you have more than one child at different schools, you’ll need a separate form for each school. Durham also says it’s worth applying even if your child already gets free meals through Universal Infant Free School Meal scheme, because other support may be available too.