Healthier menus set for schools across England
Schools in England could soon see significant changes to their meal menus under new government proposals aimed at improving children’s health and nutrition. The plans would limit sugary desserts to once a week, increase the use of fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains, and reduce the availability of high-fat “grab-and-go” options such as sausage rolls and pizza.
Under the proposals, fruit would replace sugary snacks for most of the school week, and schools would be encouraged to cut back on deep-fried foods. The Department for Education (DfE) says the reforms could help millions of children access healthier meals each day and improve long-term health outcomes.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described the initiative as “the most ambitious overhaul of school food in a generation,” adding that every child deserves nutritious meals that support concentration, learning, and wellbeing.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he believes schools will be able to manage the changes within their existing budgets. However, education leaders have raised concerns about whether funding levels will be sufficient.
The Association of School and College Leaders welcomed efforts to improve meal quality but stressed that additional financial support would be essential. A 2025 survey by school catering professionals found the average cost of producing a meal was around £3.45, compared with the current government funding rate of £2.61 per free school meal.
Political reactions to the proposals have been mixed. The Liberal Democrats said funding must increase in line with rising food costs to ensure children receive filling, nutritious meals. Reform UK criticised the plans as excessive government interference, arguing that banning certain foods will not solve childhood obesity. Meanwhile, the Green Party described the move as overdue and called for free healthy meals to be provided to all pupils.
According to government data, more than one in three children leave primary school overweight or obese. Tooth decay linked to high-sugar diets is also the leading cause of hospital admissions among children aged five to nine.
The updated standards would be the first revision to school food guidelines in a decade. Previous rules introduced in 2015 already encouraged fruit and vegetable consumption, limited sugary drinks, and promoted wholegrain foods.
The government has opened a nine-week consultation on the proposals. Final standards are expected to be confirmed in September, with implementation planned for September 2027. Secondary schools will be given extra time to adjust menus, develop recipes, and train staff.
Alongside the proposed changes, eligibility for free school meals in England will expand from September 2026 to include all children whose families receive Universal Credit. The government says this will make an additional 500,000 pupils eligible.
Funding for free breakfast clubs is also increasing, rising from 60p to £1 per pupil, as more than 500 new breakfast clubs open nationwide.
Across the UK, free school meal policies differ. In London and Wales, all primary school children currently receive free meals, while Scotland provides free meals for the first five years of primary school. Funding levels also vary, with higher per-meal funding available in London and Wales compared with most of England.
The government says the reforms aim to reduce sugar intake, increase fibre consumption, and encourage healthier eating habits among young people. Critics, however, stress that adequate funding will be crucial to ensure schools can successfully implement the changes without compromising meal quality or portion sizes.
