Grant now open to help with school costs

Denbighshire County Council is urging eligible parents and guardians not to miss out on the Welsh Government School Essentials Grant, which could be worth up to £200. The grant is now open for applications for the 2025-2026 school year.

The School Essentials Grant can help with costs of school uniform including footwear, sports kit and equipment for after school activities, school activities like learning a musical instrument or classroom essentials, including pens, pencils, and bags as well as laptops and computers. The grant can also go towards the cost of uniforms for wider activities like scouts and guides and equipment for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Children of families on lower incomes who receive a qualifying benefit can claim £125 per year to help with school costs. This includes all learners in reception or year 1 to 11 (except year 7). Because of the extra cost families might face when their children start secondary school, £200 is available for eligible pupils going into year 7.

Geraint Davies, Head of Education, Denbighshire County Council said:

“The School Essentials Grant helps to reduce the financial burden placed on families when buying school uniform and equipment, enabling children to attend school and take part in activities at the same level as their peers.

Even if your child already receives Universal Primary Free School Meals, you still need to apply for the School Essentials Grant. 

It’s really important that parents and guardians of children going from year 6 to 7 apply for Free School Meals and the Schools Essential Grant as transitional protection will end for these children. We know that a guaranteed healthy meal each day can aid concentration and learning in the classroom and improve health and wellbeing.”

The window to apply for funding for this year opens on 1 July and closes on 31 May 2026. Families that are eligible for Free School Meals, as well as the School Essentials Grant, may use the same online application form to apply for both. Denbighshire County Council is proactively contacting households to inform them if they are eligible. Anyone who has already applied, doesn’t need to apply again.

If your child goes to a school in Denbighshire, you can apply online for a grant by visiting www.denbighshire.gov.uk/school-essentials-grant.