Wed, 05 Nov 2025

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 'A hike in school meal prices could leave families struggling'

The cost of a school dinner for primary and special school pupils will go up by 50p from £2.60 to £3.10.
Families have expressed concern that the increase will be difficult to afford, particularly those with multiple children in school. Senior teacher Tracy Rossborough said she's worried about families struggling to pay for meals, especially as some pupils rely on them for their main meal of the day. Pupils who use the canteen daily are also concerned about the price hike and its potential impact on families. Sophie, a student at Ashfield Girls' High School, said an increase could lead to "children skipping meals or feeling guilty for buying meals." Principals and pupils have spoken out against the 50p rise, with some calling it excessive and claiming that the Education Authority is not acting in the interests of pupils. Brendan McGinn, principal of St Mary's College, said the price increase will disproportionately affect low-income households, who may struggle to afford school meals. He accused the EA of failing to meet the needs of children. The Education Authority has stated that it is facing a funding gap of £300m and cannot rely on additional in-year money to address the shortfall. The authority hopes to make up to £30m in savings from its announced measures, which include cutting school transport costs and ending some agency contracts. However, further savings may require law or policy changes from MLAs, and Stormont's Public Accounts Committee has highlighted concerns about schools being in a state of disrepair, with estimates suggesting it would take up to £800m to fix them.
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