School Food Standards: updating the legislative framework

Feedback updated 15 Sep 2026

We asked

We asked for views on proposed updates to the School Food Standards in England.

You said

Respondents supported healthier school food and highlighted implementation, cost, inclusion and pupil acceptance considerations.

We did

We will update the School Food Standards and have published the government response: School Food Standards: updating the legislative framework - GOV.UK

Closed 12 Jun 2026

Opened 13 Apr 2026

Contact

SchoolFoodStandards.CONSULTATION@education.gov.uk

Overview

Government has committed to updating the School Food Standards, so every school is supported with the latest nutrition guidance.

Why your views matter

The Requirements for School Food Regulations 2014 (known as the School Food Standards) provide the legislative framework to ensure schools in England provide children with healthy food and drink, and to make sure that children have the energy and nutrition they need across the school day.

The existing standards have been in place for over ten years and no longer align with current dietary advice.

The Government is committed to improving children's health and school food is one important source of nutrition and plays a fundamental role in helping pupils develop healthy eating habits.

What happens next

The results of the consultation and the department's response will be published on GOV.UK in September 2026, to avoid the summer holiday period.

Audiences

  • Governors
  • Headteachers
  • School support staff
  • Teachers

Interests

  • Parents School staff, school and trust leaders and governing bodies Local authorities School food providers, catering managers and chefs/cooks Food manufacturers and suppliers Public health professionals Nutritionists and dietitians working with schools Holiday, Activities and Food (HAF programme) providers Private, Voluntary and Independent Providers (PVIs) delivering wraparound or holiday childcare services