Responding to new figures showing an increase in the proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“Free school meals offer a vital safety net for families and their children, and while these figures shine a light on the numbers who are struggling right now, they are sadly just the tip of the iceberg.

“The very low income cap of £7,400 for free school meals means some children living in poverty are missing out, and it is appalling that this cap has not been increased with inflation since it was introduced six years ago.

“Hunger makes it harder for children to concentrate on schoolwork, and also harms their health and wellbeing, and we urge the next government to extend free school meals to all pupils in households in receipt of Universal Credit.

“We also want children who are eligible for free school meals to be automatically registered as this unlocks the crucial pupil premium funding which schools receive to support the most disadvantaged pupils.”