Free School Meals: P6 & P7 and S1–S3 Pilot
Universal Entitlement
Universal Free School Meals are now permanently embedded for Primary 1 to Primary 5 pupils across Scotland.
There is no universal entitlement for P6 or P7, as the Scottish Government has confirmed that planned universal expansion to these year groups will not go ahead.
P6 and P7 – Free School Meals Through Scottish Child Payment
Primary 6 and Primary 7 pupils are eligible for Free School Meals during term time if their family receives the Scottish Child Payment (SCP).
Families receiving SCP for a P6 or P7 child should apply using the Free School Meal Application Form.
S1–S3 Free School Meals Pilot (Test of Change)
Shetland has been selected as one of eight local authority areas participating in the national Test of Change pilot, which expands Free School Meals to S1–S3 pupils who receive Scottish Child Payment.
This pilot begins in August 2025 and is supported by Scottish Government investment of £3 million. It aims to test expansion of FSM for secondary pupils and assess its impact before national rollout.
Eligible pupils in S1–S3 at participating Shetland schools will receive a free school lunch every school day during term time.
Important Notes
- These entitlements apply during term time only.
- P6, P7, and pilot S1–S3 pupils receiving FSM under SCP-based criteria do not qualify for:
- Free School Meal Holiday Payments
- Winter Payments
- Clothing Grants
(unless they also meet the wider income-based eligibility criteria.)
- Families who believe they may meet the income-based criteria can apply through EMA, Bursaries and Financial Support – Shetland Islands Council.