World · Europe · 8 hrs ago
Headteachers warn school meal price rises will strain families
School meal prices have risen again, and a headteacher says the extra cost will put pressure on families.
The warning comes from Malone Integrated College, where about 55% of pupils are entitled to free school meals and many families have low incomes.
Headteacher Leslie says the strain will be especially difficult for households with children at both primary and post-primary schools.
Some pupils may avoid asking for help because they fear stigma.
Leslie says going without food or a balanced diet can make it harder for children to learn.
The school’s families will also face these costs amid a wider cost-of-living squeeze, but no further steps are specified.
A further rise in school meal prices is expected to make it harder for some families to manage their budgets, a school representative has warned.
Leslie, speaking about Malone Integrated College, said the cumulative effect would be especially difficult for families with several children.
About 55% of pupils at the college are entitled to free school meals, and many parents are on lower incomes.
Leslie said some young people may avoid asking for help because of the stigma attached to financial difficulties.
She warned that going without food or not having a healthy, balanced diet could become a barrier to learning.
- Who
- Leslie, speaking about Malone Integrated College, warned of the effect on families.
- What
- A further rise in school meal prices could make it harder for families to make ends meet.
- When
- The article was published on 10 November 2026. The timing of the further rise is not stated.
- Where
- Malone Integrated College. Its location is not stated in the article.
- Why
- Leslie said the cumulative effect of meal price rises and the cost of living crisis would add to families’ financial strain.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
School meal prices increased, and Leslie recalled discussing how much to raise each item.
BBC published Leslie’s warning about the effects of another rise in school meal prices.
- School
- Malone Integrated College
- Free school meal entitlement
- About 55% of pupils
- Earlier price increase
- Earlier this year
- Publication date
- 10 November 2026
What people are saying
I firmly believe families are going to struggle at Malone.
I think the cumulative effect of this will be immense, particularly families who have multiple children, both at a primary school and a post-primary school, and trying to make ends meet, it's going to become incredibly difficult
I do believe that there will be some families and some young people who will be worried about the stigma attached to this, and won't voice their concerns and won't ask for help.
barrier to learning