Deep-fried food to be banned from school dinners under new plans

School dinners in England are set for a major shake-up, with deep-fried foods banned and sugary treats limited under new government plans.

The proposed changes, described as the biggest update to school food standards in a decade, aim to help children build healthier eating habits and tackle rising levels of obesity and tooth decay.

What’s changing in school dinners?

Under the new proposals, deep-fried food will no longer be allowed in schools. High-sugar items will also be restricted, with sweetened desserts limited to once a week.

Fruit will replace “sugar-laden treats” for most of the school week, and schools will not be able to offer unhealthy “grab and go” options such as sausage rolls and pizza every day.

More fruit, vegetables and wholegrains will need to be added to menus, with an emphasis on healthier carbohydrates rather than refined options like white bread or pasta.

The Department for Education, DfE, says the changes will apply to both primary and secondary schools in England. A nine-week consultation on the plans has now begun, with final standards due to be announced in September and rolled out from September 2027.

Why are the rules being updated?

According to the DfE, more than one in three children leave primary school overweight or obese. Tooth decay linked to high-sugar diets remains the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged five to nine.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the reforms mark a significant moment for families.

Every child deserves to have delicious, nutritious food at school that gives them the energy to concentrate, learn and thrive,

She described the proposals as “the most ambitious overhaul of school food in a generation”.

Early Education Minister Olivia Bailey said the government hopes to “kickstart a transformation of school food”. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, she explained that the aim is to “reduce sugar, increase fibre, and get rid of some of the really unhealthy foods like deep-fat-fried food”.

Bailey also said schools will be asked to publish their menus online, adding: “I don't think healthier food has to be more expensive food for schools”.

Will schools be able to afford it?

Funding is already a concern for many school leaders and caterers.

Tom Middlehurst, from the Association of School and College Leaders, said improving the quality of school food was “something we wholeheartedly support”. However, he stressed that the changes “must be implemented in a practical way”, including with additional funding to pay for any increased costs.

Brad Pearce, national chair of the School Food People, also welcomed the review but said standards should be “monitored and funded appropriately”.

A 2025 survey by the School Food People suggested the real cost of delivering a school meal was around £3.45. Schools in most parts of England currently receive £2.61 per pupil for free school meals, meaning some may need to top up costs from their core budgets.

In response to questions about affordability, Prime Minister Keir Starmer told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I think they can”.

Free school meals and breakfast clubs

The changes come alongside an expansion of free school meal eligibility. From September 2026, any child in England whose parents receive Universal Credit will be able to claim free school meals, a move the government says will make 500,000 more children eligible.

More than 500 new free breakfast clubs are also opening, according to the DfE. Funding for breakfast clubs has increased from 60p to £1 per pupil following concerns raised by schools about costs.

Provision across the UK varies. In London and Wales, universal free school meals have been extended to all primary pupils up to Year 6. Funding rates are also higher in some areas, with London schools receiving £3 per meal and Wales £3.40.

When will the new rules start?

Secondary schools will be given a phased introduction for some of the changes, allowing time to adapt recipes, update menus and train staff.

A “robust” enforcement system is also set to be developed to monitor whether schools are complying with the updated standards.

For parents, the changes are designed to mean healthier, more balanced meals during the school day, without adding extra pressure to lunchbox prep at home. As the consultation moves forward, schools and families alike will be watching closely to see how the new standards take shape.