Get set for the new school term with help towards clothing and meals
With the summer holidays underway, families across Argyll and Bute are being encouraged to check whether they could be entitled to financial support to help with the cost of school clothing and meals ahead of the new term.
Eligible families can receive a school clothing grant of £127.20 for each child attending primary school and £159 for each child attending secondary school.
The summer holidays can place extra pressure on household budgets, particularly when parents and carers are preparing children for the return to school in August. Costs associated with school uniforms and other essential clothing can quickly add up and families are being encouraged to explore the support available to them.
Even if you have not qualified in the past, a change in circumstances could mean you are now eligible. Eligibility is based on household income and certain benefits, including Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit and some Universal Credit claims.
Full eligibility details and the online application form are available at:
All children in Primary 1 to Primary 5 are automatically entitled to free school meals during term time. However, parents and carers must still submit an income-based application if they wish to be considered for a school clothing grant, school holiday meal payments or other additional support.
Children in Primary 6 and Primary 7 may also be eligible for free school meals if their parent or carer receives the Scottish Child Payment on their behalf.
Applications for free school meals can be made at any time during the school year. However, support is normally awarded from the date an application is received, so families are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Applications for school clothing grants for the 2026/27 academic year must be submitted by 31 March 2027.
