Get help with school essentials
Families with children in reception to year 11 on lower incomes and certain benefits can apply.
The grant amount for the 2024-25 school year is:
- £125 per learner and extra funding for your school
- £200 for children entering year 7 and extra funding for your school
Funding for looked-after children is available in every school year. You must apply to the local authority where the child attends school.
What the grant is for
You can use the grant to pay for:
- school uniforms, coats and footwear
- sports equipment and kit
- equipment for school activities, including musical lessons, outdoor learning and after school clubs
- classroom essentials, including pens, pencils and school bags
Eligibility
You can apply for the School Essentials Grant if you receive any of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Child Tax Credit - As long as your annual income is £16,190 or less before tax and you don't receive Working Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit - Your household earnings must be less than £7,400 a year after tax. This does not include any income from benefits
- Help under Immigration and Asylum Seekers Act 1999
You may be eligible if you have no recourse to public funds (NRPF).
Apply online
You can only apply for the School Essentials Grant for academic year 2024-25.
Applications for academic year 2025-26 will be available from July 2025.
If your child is eligible, you can apply for the School Essentials Grant.
Before you start
We will need your:
- name
- contact details
- child’s school name
- National Insurance number (if available)
- bank details (if available)
Apply by post
You can also download and complete the form below:
Contact
If you have any questions about your application or need help to apply, please contact: