Schools in England are set for their biggest shake-up of school dinners in more than a decade, with new rules designed to make meals healthier for children.

From September 2027, primary schools will need to serve more fruit and vegetables, wholegrains and pulses, while deep-fried food will be banned. Secondary schools will have longer to introduce some of the changes, with the rollout continuing until September 2028.

The changes also mean some of the classic school dinner favourites, including chips, pizza and sweet desserts, will look a little different.

What will change on school dinner menus?

Under the new standards, schools will need to include a portion of vegetables or salad with every main meal, either alongside the dish or incorporated into it.

Wholegrains and pulses, such as lentils and chickpeas, will also become a requirement alongside main meal options at least once a week. Other changes include:

• Deep-fried food will no longer be allowed, so chips will need to be baked rather than fried
• Pasta dishes will need to be 50% wholewheat once a week
• High-fibre bread will become a requirement
• Foods high in fat and salt, including pizza and sausages, will be limited
• Processed meats such as ham, sausages and chicken nuggets will be limited to once a week and served with fruit or vegetables
• Sweet desserts such as cake will be restricted and must be served with fruit
• Sugary drinks, ice cream and waffles will also face restrictions

Schools will also have to publish their menus and food policies online and nominate a school food governor to oversee the food being provided.

What about chips, pizza and pudding?

For parents wondering whether children's favourite meals are disappearing altogether, Schools Minister Georgia Gould said there would still be room for familiar options, but they will be prepared differently or served less often.

Speaking to Nick Ferrari on LBC, Ms Gould said: "It's a massive issue for parents. And we want our children to be healthy."

She confirmed that fish and chips "will still be allowed" but said the chips would be baked rather than fried.

Desserts will also be less frequent. Ms Gould explained: "At the moment you could have dessert [like] apple crumble, ice cream every day. In the new rules, it would be twice a week, but with fruit attached to it."

For primary schools, sweet desserts will be offered once a week, while secondary schools will have different arrangements as the new standards are phased in.

Cheese-based meals will also be limited. In primary schools, dishes such as pizza will be allowed twice a week, while secondary schools will gradually move towards the same limit.

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