In maintained nursery and state-funded primary schools 19.2 per cent of pupils were known to be claiming free school meals, an increase from 18.5 per cent in 2010.
In state-funded secondary schools 15.9 per cent of pupils were known to be claiming free school meals, an increase from 15.4 per cent in 2010.
Save the Children said the figures represent a worsening picture in terms of child poverty and action must be taken.
"The latest figures on free school meals are yet another reminder of the shocking number of children living in severe poverty, their parents unable to afford the basics such as food, clothing and keeping the house warm," said Sally Copley, Save the Children’s head of poverty UK.
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