Applications for free school meals can be submitted at any time throughout the year
Applications for the Clothing Grants for Academic Year 2024/25 opened on 1st July 2024, and must be submitted by 31st March 2025.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Primary 6 & Primary 7 Universal Free School Meals for pupils in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment
As from Tuesday 18th February 2025, under a new Scottish Government initiative, ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ & Bute Council are now able to award Universal Free School Meals to pupils currently in P6 & P7 if the parent/carer receives the Scottish Child Payment for the child.
Please complete the online application uploading evidence that you are currently in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment. This should be an official recent letter from Social Security Scotland confirming that you receive the Scottish Child Payment for the particular child/children you are applying for.
Please do not upload evidence of Child Benefit, this is NOT a qualifier for this initiative.
Primary 1 to Primary 5
All children in primary 1 to 5 receive universal free school meals. You are not automatically entitled to meal payments during holidays, any additional payments or a clothing grant - you must meet the income-based eligibility criteria and apply for these via the link above.
Scottish Child Payment - Primary 6 & Primary 7
UPDATE 2025 - If you do not meet the income-based eligibility criteria for Free School Meals and your child is in Primary 6 or Primary 7 they are eligible for Universal Free School Meals if you are in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment, please apply for this via the link above providing a current letter of confirmation from Social Security Scotland.
Check the table below to see if you qualify:
| Benefit | Clothing Grant | Free School Meals | Evidence Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance (Income Based) or Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related) | Yes | Yes | Current letter of confirmation from Department Work & Pension |
| Council Tax Rebate or Housing Benefit (25% Reduction For Single Occupancy is not included) | Yes | No | Written notification from Council |
| Child Tax Credit but not Working Tax Credit (Income should not exceed £19,995) | No | Yes | Tax Credit Award Notice (TC602) |
| Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit (Income should not exceed £9,552) | Yes | Yes | Tax Credit Award Notice (TC602) |
| Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 | No | Yes | Letter of confirmation |
|
Universal Credit * Monthly take home pay for period must be under £796 |
Yes | Yes | Decision Notice |
|
Scottish Child Payment *This is for Universal Free School Meals, no holiday payments will be issued. |
No | Yes | Current letter of confirmation from Social Security Scotland |
If your child is in Primary 1-5 and attending Ulva Primary or Iona Primary, (Primary 6 and 7 if in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment), please contact the Head Teacher to discuss the local arrangements, as no lunch is currently provided.
Dunoon Hostel & Glencruitten Hostel
If your child stays in either Hostel through termtime and do not qualify for Free School Meals from the above criteria, you are eligible for Universal Free School Meals. Please contact Dunoon Grammar School or Oban High School for an application form.
Learning Centre
If your child attends the Learning Centre and do not qualify for Free School Meals from the above criteria you are eligible for Universal Free School Meals. Please contact your school for an application form.