School meal price increases from 19 February 2024

School meal price increases from 19 February 2024

Bridgend County Borough Council has not increased the price of a school meal since 2017 and at £2.20 and £2.50 for a primary and secondary school (set) meal respectively, the council has consistently provided one of the cheapest school meals in Wales.  

However, due to the significant inflationary increases in energy and food costs, the council has determined it necessary to increase school meal prices from 19 February 2024 within primary, secondary, and special schools as follows: 

Primary school-age pupils (from 19 February 2024 in primary and special schools)

For those year groups not currently benefitting from universal primary free school meals (currently Year 4, Year 5, and Year 6), the cost of a school meal will increase to £2.50.  The daily funds available to primary school pupils eligible for free school meals (eFSM) will also increase to £2.50.

It is important to note that this increase will be temporary, as from 8 April 2024, Year 4 pupils will begin receiving universal primary frees school meals and this will extend to Year 5 and Year 6 from September 2024 when all primary school pupils will benefit from the offer of a free school meal.

Secondary school-age pupils (from 19 February 2024 in secondary and special schools)

Secondary school pupils traditionally purchase cafeteria style food of varying combinations/values.  However, for a set hot meal (in secondary and special schools), the price will increase to £2.80.  The daily funds available to secondary school-age eFSM pupils, will also increase to £2.80.