NEARLY one in four secondary pupils receiving free school meals has had to give up a subject due to the cost of studying it, a survey has revealed.

Pupils from low-income families are also more likely than their peers to say that costs were important to them when choosing school subjects, the research by Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) found.

CPAG head of education policy Kate Anstey said: “Children in struggling families are going back to school only to be bounced out of some subjects and learning by costs – cut off from opportunities just as the foundations of their futures are being laid.

“The Prime Minister has promised to leave no stone unturned to give every child the very best start at life, but actions are needed to match that objective.

“Government’s forthcoming child poverty strategy must invest in family incomes and children’s life chances – and scrapping the two-child limit must be the first action point.”

The government is expected to publish its strategy in the autumn.

The Survation survey of 1,701 secondary school pupils also found that three in 10 of those eligible for free school meals said they found it difficult to afford what they need for homework, such as access to technology.

GCSE students’ needs can include ingredients for food and nutrition subjects, instrument lessons for music, trips for fieldwork in geography and foreign travel for languages.

The survey also found that 34 per cent of students eligible for free school meals said it was difficult to afford school trips and more than one in five said the same of school clubs.

More than a quarter of students in that category said that it was difficult for them to afford musical instruments or music lessons.

A recent survey by the Parentkind charity found nearly half of parents were worried about the cost of school uniform for the new year and 29 per cent said they would go “without heating or eating” to pay for it.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “Tackling the baked-in inequalities in our education system will take time, but we have a clear plan for change to increase support for working families and break down barriers to opportunity.”

National Education Union general secretary Daniel Kebede said: “It isn’t fair for students to have their options limited because of the cost associated with different subjects but we know this is happening. It’s often very clear to students that their mum or dad is anxious about money and family budgets and this can be stressful.

“In and out of school, parents with disposable income can provide so many opportunities and items for their children- books, sports, clubs, tutoring, clean and new uniform. It’s why schools need proper funding so barriers can be taken away, and all students can follow their talents.”