In this section of the website, we aim to make parents, carers and students aware of financial assistance available from national organisations and the Local Education Authority.
For some students, financial assistance is also available from the school as a means-tested 16-19 Bursary or Foundation Grant from the Trustees of the Foundation of Clitheroe Royal Grammar School.
- Free School Meals (FSM)
Free School Meals eligibility from September 2026
We are writing to all parents and carers of students in Years 7–11 regarding changes to Free School Meals eligibility from September 2026.
From the start of the 2026–27 academic year, the Department for Education has confirmed that Free School Meals will be expanded to include all children from households receiving Universal Credit. This means that some families who have not previously been eligible may now be able to apply.
It is important that families check their eligibility and apply, even if their child has previously received Free School Meals. Eligibility will need to be checked regularly and, where required, applications will need to be made again each year. If your circumstances change at any point, and you think you may now be eligible, please apply.
There will now be two categories of Free School Meals:
Targeted Free School Meals
This is the existing category. It applies to families who meet the current benefits-based criteria, including households receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less. Students in this category receive Free School Meals, and the school may also receive additional funding such as pupil premium to support eligible students.Expanded Free School Meals
This is the new category from September 2026. It applies to children in households receiving Universal Credit who do not meet the criteria for Targeted Free School Meals because household earnings are above the £7,400 threshold. Students in this category will be entitled to a free meal, but this category is for meals only and does not attract pupil premium funding.To check eligibility and apply, please visit the Lancashire County Council Free School Meals page:
https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-education-families/schools/free-school-meals/
Please scroll down to “Year 3 and above and secondary” and click the link to check whether you are eligible and to apply.
Free School Meals are an important part of the criteria for assessing eligibility for our 16-19 Bursary.
https://crgs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Free-school-meals-parents-information-July-2026.pdf
https://crgs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/CRGS-FSM-Changes-7-11.pdf
https://crgs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/CRGS-Pupil-Premium-Year-7.pdf
- Foundation Grant (Years 7 to 11)
The Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Foundation is a registered charity, managed separately from the school by a Board of Trustees. These Trustees hold on trust the centuries-old permanent endowment of the school. Income from this endowment is used in two ways, namely:
- To provide facilities to enhance the education of the students at the school
- To provide Foundation Grants to parents and carers, of students in the Main School (Years 7-11) at CRGS, who are in need of financial assistance.
Foundation Grants, which are paid annually, are awarded to help with the necessary expenses of keeping a child at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, such as buying uniform, going on school trips etc.
If you feel that you might be eligible for a grant then please write to us, either by post or email, for an application form:
The Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Foundation, York Street, Clitheroe, BB7 2DJ.
Email: grants@crgsfoundation.org.uk
Please return completed applications to the above address. Your application will of course be treated by the Trustees in the strictest confidence.
Please note that Foundation Grants are paid only in respect of students during their time in the Main School at CRGS (Years 7 to 11) and that payments will not normally be made before the beginning of August in advance a new school year.
- Student Finance England: For students applying to university (and their parents/carers)
Student Finance England have produced a quick start guide to help students, parents and carers find their way through the process of applying for student finance. Before you apply, we recommend that you download and read the ‘Terms and Conditions Guide’ which is available on the Student Finance Application page at GOV.UK
They have also produced a series of short films aimed at students.
Visit this website for useful advice and money saving tips. It includes a Student Loan Calculator and Student Loans Myth Busting Guide. The guides are provided by MoneySavingExpert.com and Universities UK and are important reading for anyone considering going to university. Parents and carers have found it helpful to read the Which? Student Finance Guide.
Remember to explore scholarships, grants and bursaries to help you cover costs while you are studying. A good place to start is The Scholarship Hub.
- 16-19 Bursary Fund
The 16-19 Bursary Award Fund is intended to help students with the actual cost of participating in their study programme, to help with the costs of essential books or equipment or with the cost of travelling to and from school.
Please click here for further information and the details of how to apply.
