# Headteachers say families will struggle after another rise in school dinner prices

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/headteachers-say-families-will-struggle-after-another-rise-in-school-dinner-prices/
- Published: 2026-11-10T00:00:22+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-10T00:22:56+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Business (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9m262yv6yx8o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Business

## Key points

- School meals are rising for the second time in 2026.
- Primary and special school dinners will cost £3.40.
- Free school meals are not affected.

## Summary

School dinner prices in Northern Ireland are set to rise again, prompting headteachers to warn that families on tight budgets will face greater pressure. They say higher costs could lead some pupils to go without a balanced lunch, affecting their health and ability to learn.

Meals for pre-school, primary and special school pupils will rise by 30p, while post-primary prices will increase by 15%, following a rise of just under 20% in January. A paid primary or special school dinner will have gone from £2.60 to £3.40 since the start of 2026; free school meals are unaffected. The Education Authority says parents still pay less than the average production cost, estimated at more than £5.20, and is also replacing some baked desserts with cheaper options.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.