Applications are open for the School Essentials Grant that can provide up to £200 to help with the cost of the school day.

The School Essentials Grant is available to families on lower incomes and those who qualify for certain benefits. All looked after children also qualify for the grant. It can be used to buy school essentials such as uniform, stationery and equipment. All learners in compulsory school years are eligible and families can claim the grant once per school year per child.

It provides £125 per child; £200 for children entering Year 7.

The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said: “I know that the cost of the school day puts increased pressure on families. The School Essentials Grant is an incredibly important scheme which helps to reduce that pressure. All children and young people deserve equal access to education and this scheme helps to achieve that by removing the financial barriers faced by many families.”

The 2024 to 2025 scheme is currently open and will close on May 31, 2025.

Even if your child already receives Universal Primary Free School Meals, it is still important to check eligibility. To find out if your child is eligible, visit www.gov.wales/school-essentials-grant