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School Essentials Grant for September 2026 Academic Year

A School Essentials Grant (SEG) is available to assist families on a low income to buy school uniform, sports kit, uniform for enrichment activities, school bags, stationery etc. 

This scheme opens on the 1st July 2026 and closes on the 31st May 2027.  Application forms submitted before the 1st July 2026 will not be processed until after that date.  Application forms submitted after the 31st May 2027 will not be accepted.

 

This grant can be used to help with the following:

  • The purchase of school uniforms including coats and shoes
  • Uniform for enrichment activities including but not limited to; scouts, guides, cadets, martial arts, sports, performing arts or dance.
  • Equipment e.g. school bags and stationery
  • Specialist equipment where new curriculum activities begin such as design and technology
  • Equipment for out of school hours trips such as outdoor learning e.g. waterproofs
  •     And laptops or tablets

 

Who is Eligible

The grant is available to pupils who are eligible for free school meals or are looked after children who are entering:

  • Reception class, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, or Year 6 of a maintained primary school at the beginning of a new school year
  • Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10 or Year 11 of a maintained secondary school at the beginning of a new school year
  • In Reception, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11 or equivalent in a special school, special needs resource base or a pupil referral unit

Please note this scheme is not available for pupils attending private school or pupils that are elective home educated.

 

The funding is also available to all looked after children of compulsory school age.

 

The parent/guardian making the application must be receiving one of the following:

  • Universal Credit - and neither you nor your partner (if applicable) are employed

  •  

    Universal Credit – and either you or your partner (if applicable) is employed but, the net earned income (of you both, if both are employed) does not exceed £7,400 per annum or £616.67 per month

  • Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit

  • Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 

  • Children over 16 years who receive benefits in their own right, who are living away from home

 

How to Apply

If you meet these criteria and think your child or children might be eligible, complete and return a School Essentials Grant Application Form:

 

 

Please return completed forms to:

Benefits Department

Civic Offices

Holton Road

Barry

CF63 4RU