The UK government is set to implement a significant update to school food standards in England, marking the first substantial reform in over a decade. Starting in September 2027, the new regulations will prohibit deep-fried items, including popular choices like fish and chips, as part of a broader initiative to tackle rising childhood obesity rates. Recent NHS data for 2024 revealed that 24% of children in nursery and primary schools are either overweight or living with obesity, making this reform both timely and crucial.
A New Era for School Meals
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described the forthcoming changes as “the most ambitious overhaul of school food in a generation.” She emphasised the importance of providing children with nutritious meals that not only fuel their learning but are also enjoyable. “Every child deserves to have delicious, nutritious food at school that gives them the energy to concentrate, learn, and thrive,” she stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring that high standards translate into better food options for students.
The new standards will require that all school desserts contain at least 50% fruit, casting doubt on the future of traditional treats like steamed sponges and jam doughnuts. Additionally, the regulations will eliminate all deep-fried foods from school menus, including battered fish and chicken nuggets, which are currently permitted in limited quantities.
Support for Schools
Henry Dimbleby, co-founder of the Leon restaurant chain and a key figure in the previous school food plan, praised the reforms as an opportunity to “reset school food.” Currently, schools can serve two portions of deep-fried food weekly and desserts lacking sufficient fruit three days a week. Dimbleby believes that the new standards will not only enhance the quality of meals but also expand access to free school meals, provided there is dedicated support from the government and educational institutions.
“September can mark the start of a new normal,” he asserted, emphasising the potential for improved health outcomes and academic performance if the reforms are effectively implemented.
In response to these changes, five leading organisations in education and food have united to form the School Food Project. This initiative, which includes partnerships with Bite Back, Chefs in Schools, Jamie Oliver Group, School Food Matters, and The Food Foundation, aims to assist schools in delivering healthier meal options. With an initial funding of £2.3 million raised through donations, the project plans to launch in September 2026, coinciding with the finalisation of the new standards.
Voices in Support
Chef Jamie Oliver, a long-time advocate for improved food standards in schools, expressed his enthusiasm for the government’s commitment to reform. He described school food as the “most important restaurant chain” in the country and highlighted the stark contrast in food quality standards between today and two decades ago. “Twenty years ago, dog food had higher standards than school dinners,” he remarked, underscoring the need for systemic changes.
D’Arcy Williams, CEO of Bite Back, welcomed the announcement as a necessary step towards enhancing the quality of meals available to young people. However, he cautioned that substantial challenges remain. “It is deeply worrying that so many children are consuming too much sugar, and that three-quarters of parents are concerned about what their children are eating,” he stated, insisting that without proper monitoring and accountability, the existing standards have failed to protect children’s health.
Why it Matters
These reforms represent a pivotal moment in the effort to address childhood obesity in England. By prioritising nutritious meals in schools, the government is taking significant steps to foster healthier eating habits among the nation’s youth. As schools prepare to implement these changes, the hope is that improved dietary standards will not only enhance children’s immediate health but also set the foundation for long-term wellness and academic success. The collaboration between various organisations to support this shift exemplifies a collective commitment to nurturing a healthier future for the next generation.
