COST OF LIVING
Free School Meals
We strongly encourage eligible parents/carers to apply for Free School Meals. No one will know who has registered and it will not affect any other benefits being claimed.
From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, the government are expanding FSM eligibility to all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit regardless of household earnings. Eligibility falls into 2 categories.
Targeted Free School Meals
Targeted free school meals are available to…
- Families in receipt of universal credit with a household income under £7400 per year after tax (excluding benefits)
- Families receiving other qualifying benefits
- Certain immigration statuses
Targeted free school meals entitles students to meals in term time, holiday activity food funds (HAF), pupil premium funding and possibly subsidised home to school transport if additional criteria are met.
Expanded Free School Meals
Expanded free school meals are available to families receiving universal credit with a household income over £7,400 per year after tax (excluding benefits).
Expanded free school meals entitles students to meals in term time only.
Note: From 1st May 2009, pupils are eligible for Free School Meals for a four-week period immediately after the parent/carer becomes unemployed, or reduces their hours to less than 16 hours a week, but is still in receipt of Working Tax Credit.
Pupils can also register for free school meals if they get any of these benefits themselves.
Travel Assistance
School Uniform/Donations
Many of our families have donated uniform to the school for us to loan out or provide for other families, thank you if you have done this. If you need support with uniform, please contact your child’s Head of Year. We have only 3 branded items a tie, blazer and physical education t shirt. All other uniform items can be purchased from the local supermarket, school shop or local retail stores.
If you have any items of uniform at home, we would welcome these donations.
Finances
Helping local people in crisis, Unit 9, Swan Shopping Centre, Blackwell Street, Kidderminster
Partnership work with The Worcester Street Kitchen collecting surplus goods from stores and businesses, saving food from going to waste and sharing with families and people in need.
Practical advice on a number of areas including; your money, benefits, employment, tax, money management, gas and electricity, home and neighbourhood
Housing
Please use these links to support with any housing issues you may have.
Family Support
Please find some useful information and local services who provide advice and guidance on a number of issues including health, mental health, community safety, youth and community groups, parenting and bereavement.
PERIOD PRODUCT SCHEME
The period product scheme provides free period products to girls in their place of study. Having a period should never be a barrier to education. We ensure a range of period products are available to all students including tampons and sanitary pads, for use where individuals:
- have forgotten or run out of products at school
- cannot afford products
- have come on their period unexpectedly
Should any student require any additional products for use at home they can speak to any member of the pastoral team who will ensure they are provided with a pack suitably packaged.