Portsmouth schools urged to sign up for breakfast clubs
More children in Portsmouth could soon get a free, healthy start to their school day as applications for the next wave of breakfast clubs open.
From today, 500 schools across the country can apply to join the scheme, with a further 1,500 places opening in September 2026. Seventeen Portsmouth schools are being encouraged to bid.
The government says the expansion, worth £80m, will focus on areas with the highest numbers of pupils on free school meals. Ministers argue this will help families facing rising costs while giving children a better chance to learn.
Parents could save up to £450 and 95 hours a year if their school takes part.
Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin said she had seen first-hand how the clubs help families.
“From my conversations with families and teachers across our city I know how much difference free breakfast clubs can make, for extra time at the start of the day, for household finances, for children’s life chances.”
She added: “It’s brilliant to see clear Labour choices being made – prioritising support to those for hard-working families who need it.”
“I’ll be working with schools across Portsmouth, backing their bids to get Best Start clubs from next year.”
Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan added: “I was proud to be the Education Minister that started Labour’s plan for free breakfast clubs, and as MP I’m proud to offer this opportunity to more Portsmouth schools as the Government rolls out our plans for every primary school in the country.
“Free breakfast clubs show the difference Labour governments make – stronger public services, better support for working parents, more opportunity for children.
“I’ve encouraged schools across Portsmouth to bid to join the next wave and when they do, I’ll back them every step of the way.”
Schools joining the scheme will get increased funding per child and a guaranteed £25 a day to cover staffing and admin costs. Officials say this will make it easier for all types of schools to run a club, with an average funding rise of 28 per cent.
The government has also secured partnerships with Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Weetabix and Magic Breakfast until July 2026 to support clubs with discounts and free deliveries.
Ministers say breakfast clubs already show strong results, with children aged 5–7 making the equivalent of two months’ extra progress in maths, reading and writing.