Financial Support

Page updated on: 08/09/2023

When you have children in education, it can all add up. You may be entitled to financial help with school essentials, to stop money getting in the way of your child's education.

If your child/children is not currently receiving Free School Meals and your circumstances have changed this year, we may have support available for you. Check if you are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) and School Essentials (PDG Access), which includes support for uniform, sports equipment and devices.

If your child is currently in receipt of Free School Meals, you may also be entitled to additional help through School Essentials (PDG Access).

Universal Free School Meals (UPFSM) will be rolled out to all primary learners in Wales over the next three years. To help the youngest learners as soon as possible, all children in Reception will receive Free School Meals from this September.

There are also a number of charitable trust funds available to which you or your child/children may be eligible to apply.

School essentials (PDG Access)

Apply for up to £125 (or £200 for Year 7 pupils) to buy a school uniform, equipment, sports kit and kit for activities outside of school for your child.

School Essentials (PDG Access)

Free school meals

If you are a low income household you may be eligible for free school meals. Find out if you are eligible and apply online.

Universal Primary Free School Meals and Free School Meals

Education Maintenance Allowance

16 to 18-year-olds who want to continue in education could be eligible for Education Maintenance Allowance.

Education Maintenance Allowance

Charitable trust funds

There are a number of charity trust funds that you or your children may be eligible to apply for.

Charitable Trust Funds

Student Finance Wales

Student Finance Wales is responsible for processing, assessing and paying student finance. Find out how to apply on their website. If you have a query phone 0300 200 4050.

Student Finance Wales

Help with transport costs

If you are studying further education either at your local school or college, you may be able to get help with transport costs.

Coleg Sir Gâr

Free books

As part of the Schools Love Reading scheme, every pupil in Wales who is aged 3-16 and in state school will receive a book of their own to keep.

Schools Love Reading

Free Welsh Lessons

From September, a new e-learning resource will be piloted for 16 to 18-year-olds who attend school, college or an apprenticeship scheme, to improve their oral Welsh skills.

National Centre for Learning Welsh

Free Office 365 licences

All learners have a Hwb account which gives them access to educational resources and digital tools. One of the features of Hwb accounts is a free Microsoft office licence.

Hwb - Microsoft

Financial Contingency Fund

The Financial Contingency Fund supports eligible learners in further education institutions or the Open University(OU). You can get more information from your college or the OU.

Frequently asked questions

Here you'll find a range of FAQ's relating to help with school costs and free school meals.

Free School Meals FAQ's