The Welsh Government is reminding parents to apply for the School Essentials Grant, with only three days left before the May 31, 2025 deadline. This grant offers financial help worth up to £200 to assist families in buying school supplies for their children.
What Is the School Essentials Grant?
The School Essentials Grant helps families on low incomes with children in school. It provides money to cover the cost of important school items like uniforms, equipment, stationery, and more. Applications for the grant opened on July 1, 2024, but parents need to hurry as the deadline is coming soon.
Who Is Eligible for the Grant?
The grant is available for families who receive certain benefits and have children studying from reception to Year 11. Eligible parents and carers can receive £125 per child, plus extra funding from their child’s school. Pupils starting Year 7 (secondary school) may get an additional £200, along with extra support from the school for the higher costs of starting secondary school.
Parents can only claim the grant once per child each school year.
It’s important to know that getting Universal Primary School Meals doesn’t automatically qualify a child for this grant.
Eligible children include:
- Pupils who qualify for means-tested Free School Meals (eFSM)
- Children under local authority care
However, children receiving free school meals due to transitional protection arrangements are not eligible for this grant.
Receiving the School Essentials Grant will not affect parents’ tax or other benefits.
What Can the Grant Be Used For?
The School Essentials Grant can help with many school-related expenses, such as:
- School uniforms, including coats and shoes
- School activities like learning musical instruments or sports, and the equipment needed
- Classroom essentials like pens, pencils, and school bags
- Special equipment for new subjects like design and technology
- IT equipment like laptops or tablets (if the school cannot provide them)
- Equipment for trips or outdoor learning
- Clothing for non-uniform activities such as scouts, guides, sports, dance, or performing arts
How to Apply for the School Essentials Grant
Parents and carers can apply through their local authority. They can apply every year for each child who needs the support.
The School Essentials Grant from the Welsh Government is a valuable support for families on low incomes to help with the cost of school supplies and activities. With the deadline on May 31, 2025, fast approaching, eligible parents should apply soon to make sure their children get the help they need. This grant can ease the financial burden of school expenses, especially for families with children starting secondary school.
FAQs
What is the School Essentials Grant?
The School Essentials Grant is financial help from the Welsh Government to assist low-income families with school costs like uniforms, equipment, and activities.
Who is eligible for the School Essentials Grant?
Families on certain benefits with children in reception to Year 11 who qualify for free school meals or are under local authority care are eligible.
How much money can eligible families receive?
Parents can receive £125 per child, with an extra £200 for pupils starting Year 7, plus additional funding from their child’s school.
What can the grant be used for?
The grant covers school uniforms, school activities, classroom essentials, specialist equipment, IT devices, and clothing for extracurricular activities.
How and when can parents apply for the grant?
Parents can apply through their local authority once per school year for each eligible child. The deadline for 2025 applications is May 31.
