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GrantWales

School Essentials Grant (Wales)

Welsh Government (via local authorities)

At a glance

Who it's for
Individuals and households on a low income in Wales. Full eligibility rules are below.
What you get
£125 per child per school year (£200 for a child starting Year 7)
How to claim
Apply to the local authority where your child goes to school (gov.wales links to each one). One claim per child per school year, between 1 July 2026 and 31 May 2027.
Where
Wales
Deadline
31 May 2027

Description

A Welsh Government grant of £125 per child per school year, or £200 for a child starting Year 7, towards school uniform, sports kit, school bags and stationery, and kit for trips such as waterproofs. It's for families whose children, from reception to Year 11, are eligible for means-tested free school meals, plus all children in local authority care. The 2026-27 round runs from 1 July 2026 to 31 May 2027.

Amount

£125 per child per school year (£200 for a child starting Year 7)

Deadline

31 May 2027

Eligibility summary

  • Available in: Wales.
  • Open to individuals — not restricted to businesses.
  • Relevant income bands: earning under the Personal Allowance.
Notes
Verified Oct 2026 directly on gov.wales's 'School Essentials Grant: help with school costs' page: £125 per learner, £200 for Year 7, claimable once per child per school year, open 1 July 2026 to 31 May 2027. Councils are encouraged to consider families with no recourse to public funds. Laptops and tablets are only covered where the school can't lend equipment. The grant doesn't affect tax or benefits. Each grant also comes with extra funding for the school. Not modelled on Profile.ageBand, since eligibility turns on the child's age.
Requirement
Your child is in reception to Year 11 and eligible for means-tested free school meals, or is in local authority care. Universal Primary Free School Meals alone doesn't qualify, and nor does free school meals received only under transitional protection.

Want help with this application?

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You can also do this yourself for free via the official source

How to apply

Apply to the local authority where your child goes to school (gov.wales links to each one). One claim per child per school year, between 1 July 2026 and 31 May 2027.

View official source

Last verified: 25 October 2026. See the footer disclaimer — this is general information, not financial or tax advice.