Pirton Hill Primary School in Luton, Bedfordshire, has recorded that 38.9 per cent of its students are eligible for free school meals, according to government data confirmed on February 9, 2026. This rate means 149 out of the school’s 405 pupils qualify for the support, which is a key measure used to decide how much extra funding the school receives to help children from lower-income families.
The figures, published by the Department for Education, show that the school has a much higher rate of eligibility than the 25.7 per cent national average reported by the House of Commons Library. This concentration of need helps headteacher Mr Glenn Booth and the school staff plan for classroom resources and local support services.
While the number of children needing support is high, a study from the University of Lincoln suggests that a funding gap exists for these meals. For the 2025-2026 school year, the government provides £2.61 per meal, but the actual cost of food and staff to provide those meals has risen to approximately £3.00.
Local leaders for the Leagrave area, including Councillor Maria Lovell and Councillor Francis Steer, use this information to coordinate food support and holiday activities. Luton Borough Council remains responsible for managing these local poverty relief strategies to ensure help reaches the families who need it most in the community.
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