HUNDREDS more children across Gloucestershire are now receiving free school meals after a new system was introduced to automatically enrol eligible pupils.

Gloucestershire County Council confirmed that, following the January 2026 school census, an additional 591 children were signed up after being identified as entitled to the support but not previously claiming it.

The move is designed to ensure families do not miss out on help, while also supporting children’s learning. Free school meals are known to improve concentration in the classroom and can save families almost £500 per child each year at a time when household budgets remain under pressure.

The initiative is also set to bring wider benefits to schools across the county. Increased registrations are expected to generate around £1.6 million in additional funding through schemes including Pupil Premium. Schools are due to receive the extra funding from October 2027.

The auto-enrolment system works by using existing council data to identify eligible children. Families are then informed and given the option to opt out. Fewer than one per cent chose to do so.

Gloucestershire is among the first two-tier authorities in the country to introduce the scheme, following earlier work by Devon County Council.

Councillor Linda Cohen, cabinet member for education and skills, said: “Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow and thrive, and provision of a healthy meal at school plays a vital part in that.

“By automatically enrolling children who are already entitled to free school meals, we are removing barriers for families and making sure support reaches those who need it most.

“This work is helping families save money, supporting children to do well at school, and securing vital funding for our schools. It is a practical example of how the county council is taking action to tackle inequality and give young people the best possible start in life.”