Get help with school essentials

Applications for the School Essentials Grant are now open and will close on 31 May 2025.

Families with children in reception to year 11 on lower incomes and certain benefits can apply.

The grant amount for the 2024-25 school year is:

Funding for looked-after children is available in every school year. You must apply to the local authority where the child attends school.

What the grant is for

You can use the grant to pay for:

school uniforms, coats and footwear
sports equipment and kit
equipment for school activities, including musical lessons, outdoor learning and after school clubs
classroom essentials, including pens, pencils and school bags

You can apply for the School Essentials Grant if you receive any of the following benefits:

Income Support
Jobseeker’s Allowance
Employment and Support Allowance
Child Tax Credit - As long as your annual income is £16,190 or less before tax and you don't receive Working Tax Credit
Pension Credit
Universal Credit - Your household earnings must be less than £7,400 a year after tax. This does not include any income from benefits
Help under Immigration and Asylum Seekers Act 1999

You may be eligible if you have no recourse to public funds (NRPF).

If your child is eligible, you can apply for the School Essentials Grant.

You can only apply once for each child in a year.

We will need your:

You can also download and complete the form below:

Downloads

If you have any questions about your application or need help to apply, please contact:

Child and Family Support Team

Civic Centre Port Talbot Neath Port Talbot SA13 1PJ

fsm@npt.gov.uk

(01639) 763 515 (01639) 763 515