Free school meals application timing

[thisisscary]

DC about to leave primary and move to high school in September. Currently not on FSM but I think we may qualify which would be amazing for high school. I've read that entitlement ends at the end of each phase of education and you have to reapply - so basically even if I applied now I'd have to reapply for high school. What I'm wondering is when does his next phase of education start? Is it when he leaves primary? Or when he starts secondary? If I apply in August will that be counted as entitlement in primary because he hasn't started high school yet? In which case I'll have to apply in September and pay for a few weeks.
Can anyone help?

[beccy11]

This information is NYCC related but I think it should be the same across England
If your child qualifies for FSM they obtain a protected FSM award that lasts 6 years (known as ever 6 funding)
If you check your council website it should clarify the position where you are
Hope that helps 😀

[Duracellbunnywannabe]

I thought ever 6 only applied to the school PP funding not to FSM themselves.