PM Launches Free Breakfast Clubs at Schools

The Prime Minister has visited a primary school in Caversham to promote the Labour government’s policy of introducing free breakfast clubs.

The Prime Minister has visited a primary school in Caversham to promote the Labour government’s initiative for free breakfast clubs.

Sir Keir Starmer attended St Anne’s Catholic Primary School on Thursday, November 20, which was one of the first to adopt this programme.

These clubs, run by schools, provide food, drinks and activities for pupils before school starts. The pilot for this initiative launched in April 2025, with 750 primary schools across the UK participating.

Despite its good intentions, some concerns have been raised about the sustainability of the scheme in financially strapped schools. In response, Sir Keir stated: “This is more than well-intentioned; it’s really important. Free Breakfast Clubs mean children at St Anne’s can come in and get something to eat, which is crucial, as breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It also allows their parents to drop them off early and get to work.”

St Anne’s and Caversham Park Primary School are the two pilot schools in Berkshire. Following the positive results from this initial phase, the government has pledged an additional £80 million to fund 2,000 more schools from April 2026 to March 2027.

Applications for grant funding for free breakfast clubs were opened today, with eight schools in Reading eligible. Schools must submit an ‘expression of interest’ to the Department for Education to access funding.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter