The outcome of this review is that, from Monday 3rd November 2025, the recommended minimum standard school meal prices will be as follows:
Over the last couple of years, we have continued to see monthly rising food inflation, increasing to 5.1% in August 25, and at least an additional 6% increase in labour costs, with the latter being mainly due to rises in the living wage. The National Insurance
threshold change, applicable from April 2025, has added increased unexpected pressures this year, something which we have absorbed as much as possible within the catering service. Despite all of these huge inflationary pressures, FM Catering have continued
to minimise their impact by improving our efficiency and maintaining high meal uptake levels.
Even with this small price increase, school meals in the Bradford district still remain amongst the lowest in the country and are excellent value for money for a nutritionally balanced 2 course set lunch. Our neighbouring authorities, Leeds City Council,
Calderdale Council & Kirklees Council, currently charge considerably more for a Primary school lunch. The new Bradford recommended price is still somewhat behind these, something which we are keen to maintain going forward.
This minimal 10p paid meal price rise will benefit schools by:
- Increasing the paid meal income
- Closing the gap to the UIFSM / FSM government funding rate, currently £2.61 (increased from £2.58 over the Summer)
- Reducing the net cost of the catering service
- Helping to keep down future contract charges / increases to schools
An additional small rise in April 2026, something which we are keen to avoid, may be likely in order to continue keeping pace with inflation and to close the gap even further to the increased government funding rate which is currently provided to schools.
By taking these recommended small staggered approaches in line with the school menu changes, the burden to families struggling in the current climate will hopefully be minimised.
Please could you inform parents of this increase and include, if possible, details of the Benefits Service (01274 432771/2/3) to help ensure that those who qualify for free meal entitlement will take up that option.
Your school kitchen Chef Manager has been sent an electronic survey via their tablet that needs to be completed by all sites in order to acknowledge you are aware of this pending increase and in turn will communicate it with parents prior to the end of the
current academic term. FM Services will then make all necessary system changes, including the updating of ParentPay and debt letter values etc, to reflect the price increases from 3rd November 2025.
If you do require any further information or clarification, please contact me using the following details:
NB: This price increase will bring all FM Catering schools up to the new minimum standard £2.55 per pupil meal price (£2.35 in Nursery schools). Almost all Primary schools in the district currently charge £2.45 per pupil meal. Those few
schools who have their meal price currently set higher than this can of course follow suit and apply an additional increase to maintain their current margin if they see fit. This can be communicated through the kitchen survey you will be asked to complete.