Applications have been open since July last year, but the deadline is fast approaching
The Welsh government is urging parents to apply for a £200 grant for helping with school supplies, as the deadline is merely three days away.
Some families in Wales might be eligible to apply for financial assistance from the Welsh Government that can be worth up to £200 in the form of “School Essentials Grant”. This grant provides families with children with help for buying school supplies for the like uniforms, equipment, stationery, and more. Applications for the grant have been open since July 1, 2024.
However, eligible parents and carers now have to be quick in applying as the deadline is fast approaching on May 31, 2025.
Here is everything you need to know about the School Essentials Grant, who is eligible, and what the grant is for. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here
What is eligible for the School Essentials Grants?
According to the Welsh Government, the school essential grant is available to families on lower incomes, who receive certain benefits, and have children studying in reception to year 11.
Parents and carers will be eligible for £125 per learner and extra funding from the child’s school, whereas pupils entering Year 7 might be eligible for an additional grant of £200 and extra funding from the school, to help with increased costs associated with starting secondary school.
However, parents and carers can only claim the grant once per child in a school year.
It is important to note that receiving Universal Primary School Meals does not automatically entitle a child for the grant.
Those eligible include:
- Pupils who are eligible for means-tested Free School Meals (eFSM).
- All of the pupils who are under local authority care
However, pupils who receive free school meals because transitional protection arrangements are not eligible for the School Essentials Grant.
Additionally, receiving the School Essentials Grant will have no impact on tax or other benefits for parents or carers.
What can the School Essentials Grant help you with?
The School Essentials Grant can help parents cover the costs of a pupil’s:
- school uniform, including coats and shoes
- school activities, including learning a musical instrument, sports kit and other equipment for after school activities
- classroom essentials, including pens, pencils and school bags
- specialist equipment for new curriculum activities such as design and technology
- IT equipment like laptops and tablets ( in cases where a school cannot loan the equipment
- equipment for out-of-school hours trips such as outdoor learning
- non-uniform essential items such as clothing to support access and involvement in residential outdoor education
- uniform for enrichment activities, including but not limited to: scouts, guides, cadets, martial arts, sports, performing arts, or dance
How to apply for the School Essentials Grant?
Families can apply for the School Essentials Grant through their local authority, and applications can be submitted yearly for each child.
