Free College Meals

As part of our aim to help our students manage the costs associated with studying at college we offer eligible full-time students a free meal each day they are in College.

All full-time students aged 16-18, who meet the eligibility criteria, will be entitled to have a free meal of their choice, up to the value of £2.60 per day.

You can choose a hot or cold meal from the College Refectories on the days that you are timetabled to be at College.

It doesn’t have to be lunch, but could be breakfast or a late afternoon meal.*

The ability to purchase a meal while off College premises on any mandatory placement will also be covered under this scheme.

*Subject to Refectory opening times

16-18 year olds

To qualify, either the student or the parent of the student will need to be in receipt of:

  • Income Support
  • Income based Jobseekers Allowance
  • Income related Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • Guaranteed element of the State Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit (provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit) and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190, as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs
  • Working Tax Credit run- on – paid for 4 weeks until you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
  • During the initial roll out of the benefit – Universal Credit

Please note: If you qualify for free College Meals you may be eligible for an award from the 16-18 Bursary. Terms and conditions apply and the fund is finite.

FREE College Breakfast!

All 16-18 year old students can get a FREE College breakfast on days they are timetabled to attend College.

Just go along to any College Refectory between 8.30-8.50am Monday - Friday during term time.

19-25 year olds

This age category can also benefit from this scheme if:

  • You have a Learning Difficulty Assessment
  • Educational Health Care Plan

If you think you qualify and have not yet been contacted, please ask your College support worker for more information.

If you study off-site you may still be eligible for free meals.

For further information please contact 01942 761111