SCHOOLS are encouraging parents to sign up for free school meals if they are eligible to help increase their funds.

This comes after it was announced that the Government’s new Pupil Premium will be allocated according to the number of students at a school who are entitled to free school meals.

Headteacher at Sir William Romney’s school Steven Mackay said: “Clearly it is in the interests of our students and the school to ensure that every source of funding is fully accessed and it would be a great shame if our children were not to benefit from this funding, so we would encourage parents to register if they are eligible and not already registered.”

The Government has said that schools will get an extra £430 for every pupil eligible for free school meals next year. Families with an income of £16,000 or below are entitled to free lunches for their children.

Councillor Jackie Hall Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for schools said: “The pupil premium is designed to help the most disadvantaged children and the extra funding could make a real difference to your child and their school. So even if you won ’t want your child to have school lunches every day, it ’s still important to apply if you are eligible, and it ’s very easy to do.”