Grant News
The Welsh Government has announced that the School Essentials Grant is now open to support families for the next school year. The grant provides £125 per learner and £200 for learners entering year 7.
The School Essentials Grant can help cover the costs of:
- 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: laptops and tablets only (School Essentials should only be used in limited situations where a school is unable to loan equipment to the family)
- equipment for out-of-school hours trips such as outdoor learning (for example, waterproofs)
- 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
To be eligible, children must be in reception to year 11, and their families must be on lower incomes and qualify for certain benefits. All looked-after children qualify for the grant, whether or not they receive free school meals. Learners who receive free school meals due to transitional protection arrangements do not qualify.
Families can only claim once per child, per school year.
It is estimated that around 98,000 children and young people are eligible for the School Essentials Grant. The Welsh Government encourages people to check whether they are eligible for this support to help them buy essential school items for their child.
The application deadline is the 31st May 2026.