School Food Matters has launched Nourish Secondaries, a new research project conducted in collaboration with the University of Birmingham, to understand how whole school approaches to food can be adapted for secondary schools.
While the Nourish programme has helped many primary schools strengthen their food culture, secondary schools are more complex environments. Larger student numbers, shorter lunch breaks and greater commercial pressures all shape how food is provided and how young people choose what to eat. To ensure Nourish works in these settings, the first step is building a clear evidence base.
Rapid review offers insight into secondary school food
Today we are publishing a rapid review of UK research on whole school approaches to food in secondary schools. The review identifies a growing need for interventions that reflect the realities of secondary school life, as well as several opportunities for practical change.
Key findings from the review include:
- Limited existing evidence – few whole school approaches have been fully implemented in UK secondary schools, with most interventions short-term or small-scale
- The importance of student voice – students consistently ask for food that is tasty, filling, good value and quick to access, yet they are rarely involved in decisions
- Small, low-cost changes can help – adjusting food positioning, improving presentation, offering tastings and reviewing pricing can encourage healthier choices
- Dining spaces influence behaviour – long queues, crowded spaces and limited seating drive students towards fast grab-and-go options; pre-ordering and multiple service points offer potential solutions
- Leadership and coordination are essential – strong school leadership, good communication with caterers and time for planning and review support more effective change
- Food education remains inconsistent – there is scope for schools to better connect classroom learning with school food provision, using support and resources from external organisations
- Equity and sustainability matter – fairer free school meal practices, better water access and more plant-based options can improve both student experience and environmental impact
Overall, the review highlights that secondary schools need tailored support that balances student preferences, financial pressures and the wider school environment. School Food Matters’ Nourish programme is designed to support schools to create a food environment that puts children and young people's nutrition first. Introducing the programme in secondary settings will be an important step in continuing to improve school food.
Next steps for Nourish Secondaries
Alongside the review, we are engaging with school leaders, caterers, students and other stakeholders to shape an adapted version of Nourish specifically for secondary schools. Our final recommendations will be published in 2026.
Read the rapid review of the literature here.
