Six Northampton schools to offer free breakfast clubs from September as government expands scheme
Six schools in Northampton are set to offer free breakfast clubs from September as part of a wider government rollout aimed at cutting the cost of the school day for families.
The government has confirmed that Northampton International Academy, Eastfield Academy, Headlands Primary School, Thorplands Primary School, Woodvale Primary Academy and Rectory Farm Primary School are among more than 100 schools across the East Midlands joining the expanded scheme.
The move forms part of a nationwide rollout that will see more than 2,700 schools offering free breakfast clubs from the start of the new school year, with ministers saying it will benefit more than 680,000 children across England.
The government estimates families using the clubs every school day could save up to £450 a year, while also receiving the equivalent of around 95 hours of free childcare annually.
The announcement comes alongside new legal limits on branded school uniform items, which come into force from September. Schools will be required to reduce the number of compulsory branded items, making it easier for parents to buy school essentials such as trousers and shirts from supermarkets and other retailers rather than specialist suppliers.
The government has also issued strengthened guidance encouraging schools to take further steps to reduce the cost of expensive uniform items, including blazers and jumpers, ahead of the 2027 school year.
Ministers say that, when combined with the expansion of free school meals to all families receiving Universal Credit, many households could save close to £1,000 a year on the cost of sending children to school.
Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “No parent should have to choose between a summer day out to the beach and kitting their child out for school.
“From September, families will feel the difference at the school gates: free breakfast clubs at 1,400 more schools, an end to expensive lists of branded uniform, and more free lunches for those who need them.”
The Northampton schools are among 102 across the East Midlands included in the latest phase of the government's breakfast club expansion.