Benefits of free school meals
Free school meals provide a hot, nutritious lunch every school day.
- Children who eat free school meals eat more fruit and vegetables than children who do not.
- Free school meals are often healthier than packed lunches.
- Families save around £400 per child per year - a family with 3 children could save £1,200.
Your child does not have to eat a school meal every day. They can bring a packed lunch whenever they like.
Benefits to schools through the Pupil Premium
If your child is eligible for free school meals and attends an academy or local authority maintained school in Birmingham the school should get extra money from the Government. This is the Pupil Premium.
For the year 2024/2025 Pupil Premium funding is:
- £1,480 per primary school child
- £1,050 per secondary school child
This money can make a big positive difference to your school and the education it offers.
Page last updated: 28 March 2025
