The scheme may be extended to other schools in London. File picture: PA

Youngsters at 50 schools in London’s most deprived areas will get free, healthy breakfasts.

The three-year £650,000 Mayor’s Fund for London scheme will provide pupils with bagels, cereal and porridge, and fruit juice before they start the day.

Schools in Hackney, Islington, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham, Southwark and Tower Hamlets will benefit from the initiative.

It comes on the back of a survey by the London Assembly which revealed nine in 10 teachers questioned said their pupils were starting the school day hungry, affecting their concentration.

The scheme is in association with the Magic Breakfast charity.

Founder Carmel McConnell said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Mayor’s Fund for London to expand our work in the city.

“A hungry child cannot concentrate, and with rising child hunger this support is essential.”

The Mayor’s Fund for London and Magic Breakfast intend to extend the programme across the rest of the capital to all schools where more than 50 per cent of the pupils receive free school meals.

London Mayor Boris Johnson, patron, of the Mayor’s Fund, added: “Eating the right type of foods boosts learning, but unfortunately some children are missing out on this vital first meal of the day.

“This brilliant scheme will be a catalyst for helping fuel the energy of thousands of pupils and enable them to reach their full potential.”