School Essentials Grant (Replaces PDG Access Uniform Grant)
School Essentials Grant 2026/27
This Grant provides £125 (except for year 7 which is £200) to buy school uniform, equipment, sports kit and kit for activities outside of school for your child.
The scheme for the 2026/27 academic year will begin on 1st July 2026 and end on 31st May 2027.
This grant applies to all eligible pupils of compulsory year groups (Reception – Year 11), Looked After Children, and those who are classed as No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF).
Learners currently eligible for free school meals can apply for this grant if they are:
- entering reception, year 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in primary school in September 2026
- entering year 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 in secondary school in September 2026
- aged 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 in special schools, special needs resource bases or pupil referral units (year groups as detailed above)
- For Year 7 learners the grant is £200, recognising the increased costs associated with starting secondary school.
This funding is for pupils currently eligible for free school meals and does not extend to pupils who receive free school meals under the transitional protection or universal primary free school meal scheme.
The Funding is available to ALL Children looked after (CLA), also known as Looked After Children (LAC) of compulsory school age, irrespective of FSM entitlement.
There is no longer a requirement for families to submit a specific application for this grant. Families of eligible pupils will receive a Post Office letter, allowing collection of a cash payment from any Post Office branch. Please note these letters expire after 1 month so need to be cashed promptly.
It is anticipated that letters for eligible pupils will be received during July 2026.
If you believe you are eligible for Free Schools Meals and have not already applied, then please complete our online Free School Meal application form.
If you have any queries relating to this 2026/27 grant please e-mail schoolessentialsgrant@caerphilly.gov.uk or call our Catering Support Team on 01443 864055.
Further information about this funding is available on the Welsh Government website.
