Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the scheme is ‘revolutionising morning routines up and down the country’
The Department for Education has announced an important update set to benefit thousands of children in just a matter of months. It forms part of the Government’s efforts to ‘tackle the cost of living’ and ‘help parents juggle work and family life’.
Currently, more than 180,000 pupils in the most disadvantaged communities can access free breakfast clubs, which generally last 30 minutes before school kicks off each day. But from April 2026, over 500 new clubs will be launched, meaning free breakfast clubs will be in 1,250 schools, helping over 300,000 children.
Participating schools are currently spread across nine areas across England and are part of an initiative to ensure that free breakfast clubs are eventually available at every primary school in the country. Government figures suggest that schools already enrolled have served seven million meals, saving families up to £450 per year.
In a statement issued today, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Free breakfast clubs are revolutionising morning routines up and down the country, becoming an essential part of modern-day life for working families.
“From settling a child into the school day to helping parents get to work, free breakfast clubs are giving every child the best start in life – delivering on our plan for national renewal.
“I was raised by a single parent, so I know first-hand the struggles facing parents trying to make ends meet and how important it is to tackle outdated stigmas with practical support that people can feel every day.”
The move also comes as nearly four in ten (38%) single parents feel guilt when accessing free support, compared to 28% of parents raising a family with a partner. Applications open today for 1,500 schools to participate in September, allowing 680,000 children to benefit by then.
The Government has established ongoing industry collaborations with Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Weetabix, and Magic Breakfast, which will run until July 2026. These partnerships offer discounts, free deliveries, and healthier meal options.
Frank Young, Chief Executive of Parentkind, said: “This is good news for parents and especially parents juggling the pressures of work and school drop-offs.
“We know that parents want breakfast clubs and it helps them to get children to school and hold down jobs. It’s particularly important for children to start their day well and get ready for school. Parents will applaud this news.”
A map of schools involved in the free breakfast club initiative is available at GOV.UK here. Schools participating in the programme generally reach out directly to families with instructions on how to enrol in the free breakfast club.
In addition to disadvantaged schools, the scheme includes others of various types, sizes, and regions across England. Further advice on GOV.UK adds: “This next phase builds on this great work already happening and we continue to receive excellent feedback from schools, parents and pupils on the positive impact that the free breakfast clubs are already having.
“If you have specific questions about how the new free breakfast club programme will work in your child’s school, we recommend speaking directly with the school once they confirm their participation.”
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