The Department for Education has confirmed a significant expansion of its free breakfast club initiative across London, with seventy additional schools set to join the programme from April this year. This latest phase of the Labour-led Best Start scheme will see the total number of participating sites in the capital rise to 149, directly benefiting over 41,000 primary-aged children with a nutritious morning meal before lessons commence.
A Growing Programme with Substantial Impact
Since its launch in April 2025, schools already enrolled in the programme have served an impressive 900,000 meals to pupils in London. The government is now actively encouraging more breakfast clubs to sign up, announcing a further 1,500 available spaces. Applications for these new slots opened on February 1st, with successful clubs scheduled to begin operations in September.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasised the transformative role of these clubs, stating: "Free breakfast clubs are revolutionising morning routines up and down the country, becoming an essential part of modern-day life for working families. From settling a child into the school day to helping parents get to work, free breakfast clubs are giving every child the best start in life."
She added a personal perspective, noting: "I was raised by a single parent, so I know first-hand the struggles facing parents trying to make ends meet and how important it is to tackle outdated stigmas with practical support that people can feel every day."
Partnerships and Parental Support
The initiative continues to be bolstered by partnerships with major retailers and food suppliers. Agreements with Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Weetabix, and the charity Magic Breakfast will remain in place until July 2026, ensuring continued provision of discounts, free deliveries, and healthier meal options for participating schools.
Frank Young, Chief Executive of Parentkind, welcomed the expansion, commenting: "This is good news for parents and especially parents juggling the pressures of work and school drop-offs. We know that parents want breakfast clubs and it helps them to get children to school and hold down jobs. It’s particularly important for children to start their day well and get ready for school. Parents will applaud this news."
Detailed Breakdown of New and Existing Participating Schools
Central London Additions
Kensington and Chelsea: Ark Brunel Primary Academy, Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School, Saint Mary's Catholic Primary School, Bevington Primary School.
Lambeth: Archbishop Sumner Church of England Primary School, Evolve Academy, St John's Angell Town Church of England Primary School, St Stephen's Church of England Primary School, Vauxhall Primary School, Wyvil Primary School and Resource Bases.
Southwark: Bellenden Primary School, Bird In Bush School, Keyworth Primary School, Pilgrims' Way Primary School, Southwark Park Primary School, St George's Church of England Primary School, St Paul's Church of England Primary School.
Westminster: Edward Wilson Primary School, Hallfield Primary School, St Augustines Federated Schools, St Luke's CofE Primary School, St Mary Magdalene & St Stephen's CofE Primary School, Wilberforce Primary.
East London Additions
Hackney: Benthal Primary School, Parkwood Primary School, ST JOHN OF JERUSALEM, St Matthias Church of England Primary School, St Scholastica's RC School, The Olive School.
Newham: Stratford Manor Primary School & Nursery.
Tower Hamlets: Globe Primary School, Lawdale Junior School, Manorfield Primary School, Marner Primary School, St Paul With St Luke CofE Primary Federation, William Davis Primary School, Woolmore Primary School.
North London Additions
Enfield: Alma Primary School, Churchfield Primary School, Delta Primary School, Enfield Heights Academy, Oasis Academy Hadley, St James CofE Primary School, West Lea School.
Haringey: Risley Avenue Primary School, Welbourne Primary School.
Camden: Brecknock Primary School, Edith Neville Primary School, Fleet Primary School, Hawley Primary School, Richard Cobden Primary School, St Josephs Catholic Primary School, St Mary's Kilburn Church of England Primary School.
Islington: Duncombe Primary School, Hugh Myddelton Primary School, Moreland Primary School, Pooles Park Primary School, St Peter and St Paul Catholic Primary School, The Bridge Integrated Learning Space, Winton Primary School.
South London Additions
Greenwich: Christ Church Church of England Primary School, Linton Mead Primary School, Middle Park Primary School, St Peter's RC Primary School.
Lewisham: Childeric Primary School, Oak Gardens.
Merton: Melrose School, Merton Abbey Primary School.
Sutton: Manor Park Primary Academy.
Bromley: Bromley Beacon Academy.
West London Additions
Brent: Harlesden Primary School, Kilburn Grange School.
Hammersmith and Fulham: Flora Gardens Primary School, Melcombe Primary School, Sir John Lillie Primary School.
Hillingdon: The Willows School.
Hounslow: Ivybridge Primary School.
Existing Programme Participants Across London
The expansion builds upon an already established network of schools benefiting from the scheme. Existing participants include institutions across multiple boroughs such as Ashburnham Community School in Kensington and Chelsea, Henry Fawcett Primary School in Lambeth, Crawford Primary School in Southwark, and Millbank Gardens Primary Academy in Westminster.
In East London, schools like John Perry Primary School in Barking and Dagenham, Harrington Hill Primary School in Hackney, and Bobby Moore Academy in Newham continue their involvement. North London's existing roster features Ashmole Primary School in Barnet, Carterhatch Infant School in Enfield, and Laycock Primary School in Islington.
South London's current participants range from Jubilee Primary School in Bexley to Fossdene Primary School in Greenwich and The Alton School in Wandsworth. West London's ongoing scheme includes Donnington Primary School in Brent, Acton Gardens Primary School in Ealing, and Glebe Primary School in Harrow.
This comprehensive expansion represents a significant commitment to supporting child welfare and family stability through practical, daily assistance, reinforcing the programme's role as a cornerstone of educational and social support in the capital.
