Latest UK Free School Meal Statistics
Determining exactly how many people in the UK get free school meals is complex due to varying policies and data collection methods across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. There is no single, consolidated UK figure for total recipients. Instead, provision is a mix of means-tested eligibility for low-income families and universal provision for specific age groups in some regions.
Figures from mid-2025 indicated over 2 million children were registered for means-tested free school meals in England, alongside millions more receiving universal provision elsewhere in the UK. England’s system includes both means-tested and universal provisions. Around 1.3 million infants received meals under the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme in mid-2025. Means-tested eligibility applies from Year 3 based on benefits like Universal Credit with an annual net earned income below £7,400. A significant change from September 2026 will extend eligibility to all households receiving Universal Credit, projected to benefit an additional 500,000 pupils. London also offers free meals to all primary children up to age 11.
Scotland provides universal primary free school meals for pupils from P1 to P5. For older pupils, eligibility is means-tested, with 67.7% uptake for means-tested meals in the 2023-24 school year. A trial in August 2025 expanded provision to some high school students (S1-S3) receiving the Scottish Child Payment.
Wales completed its universal primary free school meals rollout in 2024, making all primary children eligible. Secondary pupils are means-tested for eligibility. In January 2024, 122,101 pupils of all ages were eligible for means-tested free school meals or received transitional protection {Link: gov.wales https://www.gov.wales/schools-census-results-january-2024-html}. Concerns were raised in September 2025 by the Child Poverty Action Group about many impoverished secondary pupils missing out due to a drop in means-tested registrations.
Northern Ireland operates a solely means-tested system, without universal provision. For 2024/25, 90,935 pupils (26.2%) were entitled to free school meals. Eligibility is benefit-based, with the Universal Credit income threshold raised to £15,390 net annual household earnings in June 2025.
Regional Free School Meal Provision: A Comparison Table
| Feature | England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Provision | Reception to Year 2 (and all primary in London) | P1 to P5 | All Primary School | None |
| Means-Tested Years | Year 3+ | P6+ (and trial secondary) | Secondary School | All pupils |
| UC Income Threshold | £7,400 (to Sep 2026), then all UC recipients | £850 monthly for P6-P7 | £7,400 annually for secondary | £15,390 annually |
| Transitional Protection | Yes, until end of current school phase | Yes, for some cohorts | Yes, until end of school phase | No, unless specified by council |
Factors Influencing Free School Meal Numbers
Factors like rising food costs and the cost of living crisis increase the need for support. Uptake can be affected by stigma or lack of awareness, meaning the number of eligible children isn't always the same as those receiving meals. Organizations like the Child Poverty Action Group and The Food Foundation advocate for broader access. More details are available from the Child Poverty Action Group.
Conclusion
The number of people in the UK receiving free school meals varies by region and economic conditions. Millions of children benefit, with differing levels of universal provision and eligibility across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Positive policy changes include England's future expansion to all Universal Credit households and Wales' completed universal primary rollout. However, groups such as the Child Poverty Action Group highlight that many children in poverty still lack access, especially secondary pupils in some areas.
