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Free school meals

Free lunches provided to pupils from low-income families or, in some cases, all pupils in certain year groups. FSM eligibility is widely used as a measure of disadvantage.

Also called
FSM
Used in
All four UK nations (details may differ)
Topic
Funding

Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.

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Universal infant free school meals (UIFSM) England
Free school lunches for all pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 in state schools in England.
Pupil premium (PP) England
Extra funding for state schools in England to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils, such as those eligible for free school meals in the last six years and looked-after children.
Ever 6 England
Pupils recorded as eligible for free school meals at any point in the last six years, who attract pupil premium funding.

More terms: Funding

Per-pupil spending

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Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.