Lunch

All lunches are freshly prepared on site and include a main meal with appropriate accompaniments, a vegetarian option, seasonal vegetables, a daily salad bar, and a dessert or fresh fruit option. Portion sizes are carefully adjusted to suit different age groups, ensuring pupils are well nourished throughout the school day.

Menus are designed by Lexington Independents’ Chef Development and Nutrition Teams. They are reviewed regularly and refreshed on a seasonal basis to ensure variety, nutritional balance and the use of high-quality, seasonal ingredients.

Yes. We actively encourage pupil feedback through food councils, tastings and informal discussions. This feedback helps inform future menus while maintaining our food and nutrition standards.

Yes. Lunch is compulsory for all pupils. We believe that sharing a freshly prepared, balanced meal is an important part of school life, supporting wellbeing, concentration and social interaction.

Lunch is served in a welcoming dining environment by our trained catering team. Pupils are supported to make balanced choices and to take appropriate portion sizes for their age.

Second helpings are not automatically available, and pupils are encouraged to take an appropriate first portion.

Where a pupil requests more food, second helpings are carefully managed by the catering team. They are served by staff (not self-served), are only offered once all pupils have been served.

This approach allows us to balance pupil satisfaction with portion controland food-waste reduction.

Clear service signage supports this process, with messaging such as:
“Second helpings may be available. Please ask the catering team.” or
“Still hungry? Please ask one of the catering team.”

Yes. Senior pupils have access to additional food breaks and may use the Café or Tuck Shop, which offers a range of wholesome snacks and drinks. Junior pupils bring in a healthy snack from home to eat during morning break.

Fresh, chilled water is available to all pupils throughout the day. For Sixth-Form students, drinks such as iced tea and vitamin drinks are available from the Sixth Café. Fizzy or sugary drinks are not offered to younger pupils.

Yes. We fully adhere to EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) guidance for early years feeding. Menus and portion sizes for younger pupils are carefully designed to meet age-appropriate nutritional needs and to support healthy growth, developmentand positive eating habits from an early age. 

Yes. A vegetarian option is available every day as part of the core menu, alongside vegetables, salads and balanced accompaniments.

Yes. Vegan options are available daily and are served from our dedicated allergy-free counter. These sit alongside other inclusive options such as soup, jacket potatoes and composite salads, ensuring pupils following a vegan diet have a balanced and satisfying lunch each day.

No. We do not currently offer Halal-certified meat on site. However, vegetarian and vegan options are available daily, and we are always happy to discuss individual dietary needs with families where appropriate.

Pupils with allergies, intolerances or medical dietary requirements are supported through an individual Medical Diet Plan. Meals are prepared safely at a dedicated allergy-free counter by trained team members, working closely with parents, school staff and healthcare professionals.

Yes, we endeavour to be. Our menus are nut-free by design, and all food is prepared on site to minimise the risk of cross-contamination. We kindly ask parents not to send nut products into school.

We recognise that children’s preferences vary. There is always a range of options available, including simple and familiar dishes. Pupils are encouraged, at their own pace, to explore new foods in a supportive and positive environment.

Yes. Teaching and support staff are on duty, helping to create a calm, social dining environment and encouraging positive table manners and healthy eating habits.

Food education is woven into the school experience through themed events, workshops and pop-ups that explore nutrition, sustainability, seasonality and global cuisines.

All menus are developed in line with Lexington Independents’ Food Standards and reviewed by nutrition specialists. Meals prioritise fresh ingredients, vegetables, wholegrains and balanced recipes, with fruit or lighter dessert options available daily.

Recipes are carefully developed to reduce added sugar and salt wherever possible. Desserts have been reformulated to lower sugar content, and sauces and dressings are often made in house to allow greater nutritional control.

Food safety is a top priority. Kitchens operate to strict hygiene standards with daily checks, regular staff training, internal audits and routine local authority inspections.

We actively minimise food waste through careful menu planning, portion control and responsible sourcing. Packaging is recyclable or compostable where possible, and we work closely with suppliers to reduce environmental impact.