[holding answer 9 March 2010]: The available information is shown in the table. This is based on pupils who were aged 15 as at 31 August prior to the academic year reported and who turned 16 in the academic year reported i.e. those in the final year of compulsory schooling.
White British boys aged 15 All pupils4, 5 Number known to be eligible for free school meals4, 5, 6 Percentage known to be eligible for free school meals7 2003 232,540 26,680 11.5 2008 247,720 25,100 10.1 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 2 Includes city technology colleges and academies. 3 Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools, excludes general hospital schools. 4 Includes pupils who are sole and dual main registrations. 5 Boys aged 15 as at 31 August the previous year. 6 Those eligible may choose not to take up their offer of a free school meal for various reasons eg through preference or through non-attendance on the day. Pupils are counted as eligible only if they meet the eligibility criteria and make a claim. 7 The number of white British boys aged 15 known to be eligible for free school meals expressed as a percentage of the total number of white British boys aged 15. Note: Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10.