Cost of school dinners to increase by almost 20%
Summary
The Education Authority in Northern Ireland announced that the cost of school meals will rise by nearly 20% starting in January 2026. This increase is part of broader measures to address a funding gap, which includes cutting costs in school transport and music services, and limiting staff appointments. The increase will not affect students receiving free school meals.Key Facts
- School dinner prices for primary and special school pupils will rise from £2.50 to £3.00.
- Post-primary pupils will see a 19% increase in their cafeteria food prices.
- The price changes will start in January 2026 and will not affect students on free school meals.
- The Education Authority faces a funding gap of £300 million and does not expect extra funding this year.
- Each school meal currently costs an average of £4.28 to produce, but prices have not increased since 2017/18.
- The Education Authority plans to make savings by increasing charges for music services and reducing school transport costs.
- The authority's taxi costs have grown from under £20 million in 2020/2021 to almost £40 million in 2024/2025.
- A separate report indicated that repairing schools in Northern Ireland may require up to £800 million.
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