The Government’s commitment to breakfast clubs in all primary schools is a fantastic start to ending child morning hunger for good, but we are deeply concerned that many children and young people will be left behind by these plans, as they do not extend to secondary school students. We need your help!
“I get sleepy to the point where I don’t hear anything.”
Secondary aged pupil, East of England
Hunger doesn’t stop when you turn 11. Secondary school pupils deserve the same support as younger pupils to start their day with a nutritious breakfast. But starting next September, thousands of secondary school children from the most disadvantaged communities will lose access to the free breakfasts they currently receive at school, as the current National School Breakfast Programme (NSBP) providing these meals is set to end in July 2025.
What is the NSBP?
The NSBP was an important first step by the previous government to address morning hunger in England. The current programme ensures that thousands of disadvantaged children do not start the day too hungry to learn. This is particularly important in the midst of a cost of living crisis in which families up and down the country are struggling to feed themselves.
The Government must not turn their backs on these children and young people. For many of these pupils, this is their only opportunity to have a nutritious meal before facing a demanding school day. We cannot afford to let this support slip away.
Studies show that students who eat breakfast regularly perform better academically, highlighting the importance of this essential meal for secondary pupils. Free breakfasts in secondary schools can help close the widening education gap and boost opportunities for students from disadvantaged communities.
The Government must act to ensure that all secondary school children at risk of hunger receive the support they need.
Will you co-sign our letter urging the Chancellor to include these secondary schools in the upcoming budget announcement, just under three weeks away?
