Extending free school meals

From September 2023, we are extending universal free school meals to include children who live in the borough and attend secondary school (up to the age of 16).

+ If you are already get free meals from your school, you do not need to do anything.
+ If you do not get benefits and have an annual net earned income of more than £7,400, you do not need to do anything.
+ If you get benefits but are not currently receiving free school meals, it is important that you fill in your child’s registration form.

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Universal free school meals

 

In 2023, Tower Hamlets Council became the first local authority in England to rollout universal free school meals to all primary and secondary pupils up to the age of 16. 

Since 2014, we have been leading the way as one of the few councils to deliver Universal Free School Meals to primary school children.

£5.7m was included in the council’s 2023/24 budget to extend universal free school meals funding from all primary to all secondary school pupils.

By March 2024, more than 22,000 primary and secondary school pupils were eating fresh, healthy, free meals at school.

Why did we do it?

Universal free school meals help improve the life chances of young people.

Financial benefits

Tower Hamlets is the youngest borough in the country, with 47.5% of children living below the poverty line – the highest rate in the UK.

Universal free school meals provide vital support during the cost-of-living crisis, saving families an average of £550 per year, per child - that’s £1,650 for a family of 3 children.

Educational benefits

Eating a healthy, nutritious meal supports pupils with their learning and has been shown to improve behaviour and academic achievements.

Health benefits

With nearly half of children in Tower Hamlets going into secondary school with excess weight, the scheme is a positive step towards improving the physical health of young people and promoting a healthier borough. 

A healthy lunchtime meal also helps prevent tooth decay and excess weight, with good nutrition protecting pupils from many diseases.

How did we do it?

To explore the rollout into secondary schools, we put together a board of experts including:

  • council staff,
  • specialists,
  • headteachers and
  • caterers.

We visited schools to assess what resources were needed and created a bespoke plan for each school.

Feasibility surveys were carried out in all secondary schools to assess their capacity to deliver, and a phased approach was recommended to allow schools to prepare for delivery based on their individual circumstances.

We provided £722k of upfront investment to schools for all new equipment to be purchased and installed. 

Get involved

Are you a local authority who is interested in exploring the potential of rolling out universal free school meals?

We want to share best practice with local authorities. To find out more, please email communications@towerhamlets.gov.uk