How to get an Accord Card
When children move up to secondary school, its important they have an Accord/National Entitlement Card so they can use the catering facilities at Aberdeen City Council Secondary schools.
To get a card for your child simply follow the link below to complete the online application form which should take no more than 10 minutes.
What do I need to apply online?
You will need a photo (taken like a passport photograph) of your child to complete the online application, we recommend having the photo ready and easily accessible on your device before you start the application process.
What happens after I apply?
We will send the card to the secondary school where it will be given to your child. Once they have the card, it’s theirs to keep and the unique number on the card is the reference number you use to top-up the card online for school meals. Therefore, it’s important that the application needs to be completed as soon as possible.
Please note:
If your child already uses a card at Primary School you still need to apply for new card, as this one will need to have a photo on it.
For more details please view our information sheet:
Top-up your Accord Card
The Accord Card is used by pupils at all of Aberdeen City Council's schools to pay for healthy and tasty meals and snacks. Topping up your Accord Card couldn't be easier, just ask your parents/guardian to top up online. This method is safe, secure and convenient and means that you no longer need to take money to school.
Primary school meals cost £2.20 and you can top up online:
Top up secondary school meals online:
Top ups are accepted to a maximum of £80 at any given time and the amount topped up is credited to your Accord Card when you use it in the dining room at your school or the school office. Please allow up to 48 hours for the payment to be processed.
Alternatively you can take money to school and load your Accord Card at one of the load terminals at your school or take a cheque to the Accord Administrator at your school. If you use a cheque please ask your parents/guardian to make the cheque payable to 'Aberdeen City Council'.
Free school meals
Did you know that you could qualify for free school meals? You may be entitled to free school meals if you or your parents/guardian receives one or more of the following:
- Income Support (IS)
- Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Any income related element of Employment and Support Allowance
- Child Tax Credit (CTC) but not working Tax Credit and your parents/guardians income is less than £16,105
- Both maximum Child Tax Credit and maximum Working Tax Credit and your parents/guardians income is under £7,330
- Asylum Seeker support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Seeker Act 1999
The HM Revenues and Customs website provides further information on Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.
You can apply for free school meals online. Once your entitlement for free school meals is verified, £2.45 will automatically be loaded to your Accord Card each day so you can pay for your breakfast, lunch or snack. The process is totally confidential and nobody can tell by looking at your Accord Card that you receive free school meals.
Balance alerts
Parents and carers can now receive balance alerts for their child's Accord Card. Find out more about balance alerts or sign up online: