Free School Uniform Bundle for New Year 7 Pupil Premium Students
We offer free uniform items and PE kit for new Year 7 students, consisting of a blazer, tie, reversible top, shorts, summer top, hooded top, socks and an art/design and technology apron.
This scheme will apply to all students who meet the eligibility criteria for Pupil Premium and is funded by our Pupil Premium funding received from Central Government. Eligibility is assessed each academic year.
To apply for a free school uniform bundle please contact community@calday.co.uk
Travel Support for Pupil Premium Students
We offer financial support with travel to and from school from areas across Wirral, Chester, Ellesmere Port and North Wales. This scheme applies to students who meet the eligibility criteria for Deprivation Pupil Premium and is funded by Pupil Premium funding received from Central Government. Eligibility is assessed each academic year.
- For bus passes purchased for the academic year 2025/26 we have a discount on school operated buses including services from Wallasey, Chester, Ellesmere Port and Cheshire from between £600 and £750 discount per school year per eligible student
- Merseytravel services to the School – voucher scheme for termly Solo bus tickets (£104.30 per term) means FREE Travel to school
To find out how to apply for financial support with travel costs please Click Here
Calday Grange 16-19 Bursary
Calday Grange Sixth Form students aged 16-19 who might struggle with the cost of full-time education can apply to receive a Calday Grange 16-19 Bursary. Please click here to find out more. Click here to apply.
The Bennett Trust
The Trustees can give assistance in cases of hardship to parents/carers of children from families of limited means, larger families or those with particular financial problems. Grants may be made in special cases of any kind not normally provided by the Local Authority and in some circumstances funds may be available for those students who have recently left school to help them in their chosen careers or in Further or Higher Education, provided they are less than 25 years of age.
Applications can be made at any time in confidence. Just email debbie.ellis@calday.co.uk
Free School Meals: Important Update for September 2026
National regulations for Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility are changing.
Because national transitional protections are coming to an end, all current FSM recipients – as well as new applicants- must undergo a new eligibility check before 1st September 2026, to qualify for the 2026/27 academic year.
What is Changing?
Starting September 2026, the Government is widening FSM access. Students from households on Universal Credit will now be entitled to free school meals once their eligibility is verified.
Going forward, benefits-related Free School Meals will be split into two distinct categories:
- Targeted Free School Meals: This applies to families on Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less, alongside other standard qualifying benefit categories. This specific group remains connected to Pupil Premium funding and additional targeted support.
- Expanded Free School Meals: This new category covering pupils who do not qualify for targeted FSM, but who are in households receiving Universal Credit
Please Note: If you complete your eligibility check before 31st August 2026, and your child qualifies, their free school meal entitlement will officially begin on 1st September 2026.
Daily Free School Meal Allowance
- Daily Amount: Eligible students receive a daily allowance of £3.95 to use for food and drink at breaktime or lunch.
- Balances: The £3.95 allowance resets daily. Unused funds do not roll over to the next day, so students are highly encouraged to use their full balance daily.
- Overages: Any purchases exceeding the £3.95 daily limit must be covered via your child’s online catering account.
How to Apply or Recheck Your Status
All applications must be submitted directly to the school via the Wirral Portal. You can access the online form here:
Apply for Free School Meals 2026/27
Who should apply? We advise any family who believes they might qualify—including all households receiving Universal Credit—to submit an application. The automated system will determine whether your child qualifies for Targeted or Expanded Free School Meals.
How the process works:
- The system will automatically re-verify your status for up to 42 days after your initial application.
- If your household circumstances change during these 6 weeks, both you and the school will be automatically notified, and we will update our records accordingly.
Why you should apply anyway: Even if your child prefers to bring a packed lunch, we strongly encourage you to apply. Registering for Targeted Free School Meals secures vital extra funding and support for both the school and your child.
Questions?
If you have any questions or need assistance, please email: theschool@calday.co.uk.
