Find out if you’re eligible for help with the cost of school essentials!

Families across Wrexham are being urged to find out if they are eligible for financial support towards the cost of school items.

The School Essentials Grant, funded by Welsh Government, helps people on low incomes to cover the cost of school uniform, school sports kits and equipment (such as bags and stationery).

The grant can also be used towards the cost of

• Uniform for wider activities (for example sports, scouts and guides)
• Specialist equipment where new curriculum activities begin (such as design and technology)
• Equipment for out of school hours trips (such as waterproofs for outdoor learning)
• Laptop or tablet device

The grant available for children entering year seven is £200 and for children in all other school years, from reception through to year 11, the amount is £125.

Any child eligible for free school meals, attending school in Wrexham, and in the following year groups is eligible for the grant:

• Entering reception class in primary school
• Entering school years 1 to 11
• In a special school, special needs resource base or pupil referral unit and are aged 4 to 15
• All looked after children are also eligible, regardless of their free school meals status.

Children receiving free school meals due to transitional protection arrangements will NOT be eligible for the grant.

Children who are in reception class in September, and only receiving meals under the universal offer, also will not be eligible.

If it has been over 12 months since you were last assessed for free school meals, (or your circumstances have changed) you will need to reapply for free school meals first.

Once you have had confirmation of your eligibility, you can then apply for this grant.

Cllr Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education, said: “The School Essentials Grant supports families on low incomes and can be used towards various essentials, so things like school uniform and sports kits, but also other important things that children need during their studies.

“Whether it’s a device such as a laptop or tablet, or something specific they need for a certain subject, the grant is there to help cover some of these costs. I encourage qualifying parents and carers to apply for this grant which is invaluable help for low income families during a continued period of cost of living challenges”

You can apply for the School Essentials Grant on the Wrexham Council website. You have until May 31, 2025 to submit your application.

Parents, guardians and carers are asked to submit only one application. If needed you can add multiple children to the same application (duplicate submissions may delay the processing of your grant).

If your application is accepted the grant is paid by BACS Transfer to your bank account.