Rise in pupils entitled to free school meals

8th May 2009, 12:12pm

Almost 16% of primary and nursery children in England schools are now entitled to free school meals, according to The BBC.

This figure is up from 15.5% last year. And in secondary schools, 13.4% of children are eligible and in special schools, 12.1% are.

Data from the government found that in total, there are now 17,370 more pupils on free school meals than last year. These meals are free to families where parents receive benefits, or earn less than £15,575 a year.

Meanwhile the proportion of children in primary schools from ethnic minorities has risen to 24.5%, from 23.3% last year.

The statistics - which are for the year to January - show the first rise in four years.

Related Articles:

• 11 Aug 2009 - More pupils now eligible for free school meals
• 17 Jun 2009 - Wirral schools get top marks for their dinners
• 10 Jun 2009 - St Aidan's High wins Best School Dinners 2009
• 09 Jun 2009 - New guide helps special schools to meet food standards
• 04 Jun 2009 - More cash needed for free school meals
• 03 Jun 2009 - School introduces nutrient standards 9 months early increasing take up
• 15 May 2009 - Eden's Bristol City contract expanded by another 10 schools
• 14 May 2009 - Free school meals given go ahead
• 12 Feb 2009 - School meals go back in time
• 07 Jan 2009 - Healthier dishes on school menus
• 17 Dec 2008 - Putting school food to the test

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