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Tue, 10 Nov 2026

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 Headteachers say families will struggle after another rise in school dinner prices

The price of a school dinner in a primary school will have risen from £2.60 to £3.40 since the start of 2026.
Principal of Malone Integrated College, Áine Leslie, expressed concerns that "families are going to struggle" due to the added financial burden. She noted that the cumulative effect will be immense for families with multiple children in both primary and post-primary schools. The EA estimates the cost of producing a school meal is over £5.20, but parents would still have to pay significantly less under the new prices. Pupils eligible for free school meals will not be affected by the price increase. To save money, some schools may replace baked desserts with cheaper alternatives and families might consider pack lunches instead of buying school meals. However, this could lead to a decrease in nutritious food provided to children. Northern Ireland's commissioner for children and young people, Chris Quinn, is "flabbergasted" by the price hikes and stated that responsibility for financial pressures should not be transferred to children and families. The EA plans to save £20m through various measures, including potential changes to school milk subsidies, parental payments for transport, and music lessons. The Northern Ireland Executive has yet to agree on a budget due to funding disputes. Some schools may face "painful cuts" if the draft budget shortfall is not addressed.