Young people tell us their school food is unhealthy and unappealing. More nutritious options are often either inaccessible, expensive, or simply unavailable. And, over a third of children leave primary school at risk of food-related ill health in their future.

The School Food Standards (SFS) exist to ensure every child gets the nutrition they need across the whole school day, setting out the rules for what food & drink can and can’t be served in state funded schools across England.

And now, for the first time since being introduced in 2014, these standards are getting a much needed update!

Following a consultation, where the Government considered views from the public and young people – including over 1,000 Bite Back supporters – the updated guidance for the School Food Standards has now been published! These standards will apply to all food & drink served in primary schools and secondary schools throughout the whole school day, including a specific set of standards for breakfast.

WHAT’S CHANGING?

Once introduced, you should expect to see new-look school menus which feature a variety of more nutritious, colourful, and delicious options, and less of the beige, bland offerings like chips and sausage rolls every day!

While the standards are broadly the same for primary and secondary schools, the application of the standards for primary schools is stricter in some areas. Here’s a taster of what you can soon expect to see in your school!

• Every meal will include at least one portion of fruit or vegetables.
• Healthier snack options, alongside no deep-fried foods and less processed meat.
• Healthier drinks with no added sugar and free water to be available at all times.

WHEN WILL THESE CHANGES TAKE PLACE?

The new standards will take full effect for primary schools from September 2027. The changes for secondary schools will also begin in September 2027; however, some of the changes will be introduced through a phased approach and won’t be expected in full until September 2028. Any schools that are ready and able to adopt the revised standards earlier are encouraged to do so.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR PARENTS?

All the listed changes only relate to what is served at school and does not affect what is permitted in a packed lunch. However, the new standards should make it easier for parents to hold their child’s school accountable for what is being served.

And if accompanied by an effective compliance framework, the new standards should provide clear guidance and support to all schools – ensuring delicious and nutritious food is guaranteed no matter where your child goes to school.

Finally, the update to the SFS is set to be introduced following the significant expansions of free school meals and breakfast clubs. This means that at a time when access to school food is improving for many families, the healthfulness of the food is improving in tow.

WHAT DON’T THE STANDARDS COVER?

Currently, these standards will not apply to food provided at parties, celebrations, fund-raising events, school trips, or for use in teaching food preparation and cookery. There are no standards for further education settings.

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