The government has revealed plans to expand the free school meals scheme to a greater number of UK children, with the changes set to take effect from next year. At present, all children in England are entitled to free school meals until they finish Year 2, but beyond that, eligibility is dependent on their family receiving certain benefits.
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Currently, children from families claiming Universal Credit only qualify if their household income is less than £7,400 per annum after benefits. However, as of September 2026, all children in households receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for a free hot meal, according to a report by the Mirror.
The government has faced mounting pressure to enhance the quality of life for children and families. In response, school uniforms will be simplified to reduce the need for parents to purchase numerous items of branded clothing.
The expansion of free school meals is projected to affect at least half a million children. The government believes these measures will lift 100,000 children out of poverty. Families impacted by the change are anticipated to save approximately £500 annually.
The issue of children going hungry at school is a pressing one, with potential repercussions on behaviour, concentration, general health, and school attendance. Last year’s research by School Food Matters revealed that 38% of teachers observed pupils in their classes were regularly too hungry to learn, while 24% of headteachers reported operating a foodbank within their school.
Nick Harrison, chief executive of the Sutton Trust social mobility charity, welcomed the recent developments, stating: “This is a significant step towards taking hunger out of the classroom.”
He added, “Children can’t learn effectively when hungry, so this announcement not only helps to tackle the effects of child poverty, but will also likely help improve education outcomes for disadvantaged young people.”
Kate Anstey, head of education policy at Child Poverty Action Group, also responded positively: “This is fantastic news and a game-changer for children and families. At last more kids will get the food they need to learn and thrive and millions of parents struggling to make ends meet will get a bit of breathing space.”
With nearly one in four children (24.6%) in England eligible for free school meals at the start of last year, the number has been on the rise since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2025, exacerbating pressures on household budgets.
Have your say! Will this help you, or a family that you know? Should more food be provided in schools? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
