Free School Meals
You may be entitled to free school meals if you meet the eligibility criteria
If your child is in Primary 1-5 and attending Ulva Primary or Iona Primary, please contact the head teacher to discuss local arrangements, as no lunch is currently provided.
Find out more and apply for free school meals >
School Clothing Grants
Clothing Grants of £120 are available for any child who attends an ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Primary School and who meet the eligibility criteria.
Clothing Grants of £150 are available for any child who attends an ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Secondary School and who meet the eligibility criteria.
Applications for school clothing grants for the school session starting in August 2024 can be submitted from 01 July 2024.
Find out more and apply for school clothing grant >
Education Maintenance Allowance
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is an allowance worth up to £30 per week for eligible students who are planning to continue in full-time post-compulsory education. The allowance is payable fortnightly in arrears during term time. Payments will be made direct to the student’s account.
The closing date for applications for Education Maintenance Allowance for the school session 2023/24 was 31st March 2024.
Applications for Education Maintenance Allowance for the school session beginning in August 2024 can be submitted from July 2024.
Find out more about Education Maintenance Allowance >
¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Educational Trust Award
This award is eligible for students, schools and educational institutions for several criteria, including travel and education fees and supporting projects. It is non means tested but not applicable for residents in Helensburgh and the Isle of Bute. You can find out more about this award and apply here.
Child Benefit
Child Benefit is a UK-wide benefit to help with the cost of bringing up children. There is no limit to how many children you can claim for.
By claiming Child Benefit you:
• receive monetary payments, usually every 4 weeks.
• qualify for National Insurance credits which help protect your State Pension.
• help ensure your child automatically gets a National Insurance number when they’re 16 years old.
For further information on Child Benefit, go to and search for ‘Child Benefit’.
Child Benefit helpline
Telephone: 0300 200 3100
Outside UK: +44 161 210 3086
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm