This week I highlight a free webinar from Governors for Schools on social mobility, the announcement that free school meals will be extended to all pupils whose household is on Universal Credit and the publication of a letter of thanks to governors and trustees from the Minister for School Standards.

Free Social Mobility – the impact of good governance Webinar
On Thursday 12 June from 8-9am Governors for Schools in conjunction with Better Governor will be hosting a webinar exploring what social mobility means for schools in 2025, and the crucial role governance plays in improving outcomes and life chances for all pupils. It will highlight key pupil groups, examine barriers to social mobility, and share practical examples of what’s working in schools. To book your place please use this link for the Governors for Schools website.

Free school meals extended to all from Universal Credit households
The DfE has announced that from the start of the 2026 school year, every pupil whose household is on Universal Credit will have a new entitlement to free school meals, however schools will not receive additional pupil premium funding for the children who become eligible for free lunches as part of the expansion. Currently only families with a household income below £7,400 can claim free lunches and the DfE estimates over 500,000 more pupils will be eligible for free school meals under the expansion.

Letter to governors and trustees in schools and academy trusts
A letter of thanks from Catherine McKinnell, the Minister for School Standards has been published recognising school and trust governance volunteers in England during Volunteers Week.