Free School Meals (FSM)
From September 2026, children and young people in England may be eligible for Free School Meals if their household receives certain benefits, including Universal Credit. The rules have recently changed, so it is worth checking even if you have previously been told that you are not eligible. Please be aware that only students in receipt of Targeted FSM are also entitled to the Pupil Premium grant. You can check your eligibility and find out how to apply through your local council: Check Free School Meals eligibility and apply – GOV.UK
Potential benefits include:
- A free school meal for your child on eligible school days.
- Access to other support linked to targeted Free School Meals, such as the Holiday Activities and Food programme where available.
- Eligibility for your child to be recorded as receiving Free School Meals, which may enable the school to access additional funding and support.
- Additional supports which may be offered by the school such as free breakfasts.
- The current rate FSM is £2.75 per day which is automatically credited to the student school account. This is the cost of the meal of the day including a dessert, however they can use the credit to purchase any item. Unspent credits are not carried over to the next day.
Pupil Premium (PP)
Pupil Premium is additional funding provided to schools to help improve the educational outcomes of disadvantaged pupils. It is not a payment made directly to families, but schools use the funding to provide additional support and opportunities for eligible pupils. Please also be aware that the rules linking FSM to PP for 6 years have recently changed, so where you continue to be eligible may have changed and its worth checking on their website Pupil Premium – GOV.UK.
Potential benefits may include:
- Additional academic support or intervention.
- Support with learning resources or equipment.
- Help with educational trips, visits or enrichment activities.
- Mentoring, pastoral or wellbeing support.
- Support with attendance, engagement or preparation for exams.
- Other targeted support identified by the school according to individual needs.
Support with Uniform
The school will consider requests for support with school uniform on a case-by-case basis. If you do require support with obtaining items of uniform, please contact your son’s Head of Year.
The Parents’ Association is able to supply a wide range of good-quality used uniform and games kit at very reasonable prices. To purchase used uniform, there are sales at various times throughout the year or, if urgent please email parentassoc@richardhale.co.uk to arrange a convenient time to view the uniform.
School Trips
The school recognises the importance that school trips offer to students to extend their learning outside of the classroom. As such, we will offer support to students to help to fund trips.
At Key stage 3, we will support students to attend the Y7 Activity Week in Bude, Cornwall and in Key stage 4, trips that are compulsory to complete the GCSE subject course, such as the GCSE Geography NEA fieldwork. All trips and visits are granted on a case-by-case basis with varying levels of support. Some curriculum and educational trips will have more positive outcomes than others and as such applications are more likely to receive higher funding than others.
Looked After Children
All Looked After Children and previously Looked After Children are entitled to Pupil Premium Plus funding. To access Pupil Premium Plus, the school will require evidence of adoption. The school will meet with all adopted children and their parents to discuss the student’s educational and pastoral needs and how the Pupil Premium Plus funding can support.
Virtual School’s Adoption & Kinship Education Information Service Offer
Statutory Information