The government announced a significant overhaul of school meal standards, increasing fresh fruit and vegetable provision while prohibiting deep‑fried foods, marking the most extensive school dinner reforms in England in more than ten years.
The revised standards will raise the amount of dietary fibre and wholegrain options, require breakfast clubs to adhere to nutrition guidelines for the first time, and subject schools to regular monitoring.
The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) welcomed the reforms but expressed hope that the new rules would not be used as a tool to unfairly criticize school leaders.
Implementation will begin in 2027 and will be financed using current school funding allocations, according to the government.
Under the new framework, sweet desserts such as cake will be limited to twice weekly in secondary schools and once weekly in primary schools, and each serving must include a fruit portion.
Processed meats—including ham, sausages and chicken nuggets—will be limited to one serving per week and must be accompanied by a vegetable or fruit side.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell described the measures as once‑in‑a‑generation reforms that will transform school meals for children nationwide.
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