2 days ago
Glasgow secondary pupils to get free school meals by August
This expansion, part of the Scottish Government's initiative to tackle child poverty, will benefit S1 to S3 pupils in eight local authority areas.
Eligible pupils—those receiving the Scottish Child Payment—will be provided with healthy meals during the school day.
(Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)
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This latest development will bring the total number of pupils receiving free school meals in Scotland to over 360,000.
The initiative will be trialled in nearly 60 schools across Aberdeen, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Fife, Glasgow, Moray, North Ayrshire, Shetland and South Lanarkshire.
The trial, commencing in August 2025, will be supported by a £3 million investment.
First Minister John Swinney announced the expansion during a visit to Springburn Academy in North Glasgow, where an additional 140 pupils stand to benefit.
(Image: Jane Barlow)
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He said: "The free school meals programme is key in our national mission to eradicate child poverty, which saves families who take up the offer around £450 per eligible child per year.
"This next phase of the rollout will ensure that this offer is available to more families across the country."
He added: "We know the positive impact that access to a healthy and nutritious meal can have on a pupil's learning and achievement in school.
"This demonstrates how important the programme is in our efforts to close the poverty-related attainment gap in Scotland, ensuring that every child is given an opportunity to succeed in education regardless of their background."
(Image: Jane Barlow)
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(Image: Jane Barlow)
The Scottish Government will continue to work with local authorities to establish the trial approach, which will be independently reviewed to inform the future development of the programme.
The First Minister also highlighted additional support provided by the Scottish Government to alleviate the cost of the school day, including their £14.2 million School Uniform Clothing Grant and their investment in the £1 billion Scottish Attainment Challenge.
Schools that have the capacity to deliver additional meals for this trial were put forward by local authorities.
