Website of the UK government

The first statistically robust national survey of school meal take up has shown that meal numbers have increased in both primary and secondary schools in the last school year.

With all local authorities who responded included, the overall national take up take up figures were 39.3 per cent in primary schools and 35.1 per cent in secondary schools.

Prue Leith, Chair of the School Food Trust, said: "I am absolutely delighted that three million children are eating healthy, nutritionally balanced school food every day. 

"I am heartened that take up has increased slightly in primary schools following the introduction of new nutrient-based standards and am convinced we are winning the battle for the hearts, minds and tastebuds of children and parents.  It is particularly pleasing that secondary schools have turned the corner."

Further information

• Nutrition and school lunches

• School Food Trust Opens new window

• GetReal - School Food Trust website for teenagers Opens new window