Schools are also buying items of uniform, other equipment and even basic items of clothing, such as underwear, for disadvantaged pupils.
And some are even offering pupils clothes washing and showering facilities and paying for things such as haircuts.
The stark findings come from a survey of more than 2,100 school leaders by the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT).
Overall, 84 per cent said they had provided extra, unfunded support for pupils from deprived backgrounds.
Analysis of the survey results suggests that schools are spending £43.5 million a year to pay for these extra commitments – money that has to be found from within schools' budgets.
The survey found that 81 per cent were frequently or occasionally providing items of school uniform, while 77 per cent were frequently or occasionally providing equipment, such as school bags or stationery.
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