School dinners in England are set for their biggest overhaul in more than a decade, with children due to see more vegetables, fruit, wholegrains and pulses on their plates.
Primary schools will begin introducing the new standards in September 2027, while secondary schools will have until September 2028 to complete the phased rollout. Deep-fried food will be banned, although familiar favourites such as fish and chips will remain on menus with baked chips instead.
More vegetables, lentils and chickpeas
Every main meal will need to include a portion of vegetables or salad, either served alongside the dish or included as part of the recipe.
Wholegrains and pulses, including lentils and chickpeas, must also appear alongside main meal options at least once a week. The changes are designed to support childrenβs health, concentration, learning and wellbeing, while helping tackle childhood obesity and tooth decay.
Schools will publish their menus and food policies online, and each one will nominate a school food governor to oversee the meals being provided.
What happens to puddings, pizza and chips?
Children will not lose all of their favourite meals, but some will be served less often or prepared differently.
Sweet desserts will be limited. In primary schools, they will be offered once a week. Secondary schools will follow different arrangements as the new standards are introduced. Desserts such as apple crumble and ice cream will also need to be served with fruit.
Cheese-based dishes, including pizza, will be restricted to twice a week in primary schools, with secondary schools gradually moving towards the same limit.
Schools Minister Georgia Gould said fish and chips βwill still be allowedβ, but confirmed that the chips would be baked rather than fried.
New rules for breakfast clubs
The changes will also apply beyond lunchtime. For the first time, breakfast clubs will have nutrition standards to follow.
Pastries and fried eggs will not be allowed, while cereals will be subject to a sugar cap. The government said cereals such as Coco Pops and chocolate spread would no longer be permitted.
Since February 2026, 1,250 schools have offered free breakfast clubs to pupils.
Schools welcome the aims but raise funding concerns
School leaders have broadly welcomed the standards, while warning that catering facilities, staffing and training will need proper investment.
Pepe DiβIasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said parents would feel βreassuredβ by healthier school meals, but cautioned that the rules should not become βanother stick with which to beat head teachersβ.
The government says the changes will be funded through existing school budgets and that Β£1 billion is being invested in the rollout of free school meals. Eligibility in England is also expanding to all children from families receiving Universal Credit.
The new standards apply to England. School food rules differ elsewhere in the UK, with Wales and Scotland following their own requirements and Northern Irelandβs regulations last updated in 2007.
