My School Lunch | Moving Up

Lunchtimes in Comprehensive Schools

One of the biggest changes you'll immediately see when you start your new school is to your lunchtime service! Lunchtimes in secondary school are different to primary school. The changes can be a little bit daunting, especially if you are not sure what to expect.

But don't worry - these pages are here to help you get a better idea of what to expect when you visit the canteen!

CHOICE - You'll have a wider selection of choice when it comes to picking your lunch.
PAYING - You'll have to pay for your food at the tills in the canteen. So make sure that your money is stored safely in your bag until lunchtime.
MORE BREAKS - Your new canteen will be open for a lot longer than those in primary schools. This means that you will have more chances to purchase a variety of healthy foods from your canteen. Some schools have 'Wake Up Bars' where you can sit and have your breakfast with your friends before school starts.
LATER LUNCH - Lunches can be as late as 1.30pm in the comprehensives, so you must make sure that you have a healthy snack during your mid morning break.
HEALTHY VENDING MACHINES - You can purchase food like pasta pots, sandwiches, fruit and drinks from the healthy vending machines in your new cafeteria if you were on the move.

By now you will have learned just how important it is to follow a healthy, well balanced diet, and we now believe you are ready to make up your own mind what you would like to eat for lunch.

The menus still focus on providing healthy, nutritious options, but you'll have more choice of what to eat and how often!

Selected schools also offer a 'Pre-Order' system for your convenience. If you don't have time to queue at lunchtime, you can pre-order your lunch in advance. Details of this system can be found in the 'What Else Is On Offer?' section.

FOOD BARS

TRACKERS MAIN MEAL OPTION

Here you can purchase the hot meals of the day (much like your canteen in primary school). The menu is on a three week rotational cycle (just like in primary school) and ALWAYS includes a vegetarian option.

All time favourites like traditional roast dinners are still served as well as international dishes like Tikka Massala, Chicken Con Carne and Lasagne.

Every meal is served with a choice of pasta, rice or potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Chips are sold once a week on a Friday.

There are plenty of mouth-watering options on offer to tickle your tastebuds!!! Menu items include; Beef Bolognaise & French Bread, Beef Burger in a Bun, Savoury Meatballs, Roast Chicken and much much more!!

Desserts include tasty favourites like Fruit Crumble & Custard, Chocolate & Mandarin Brownies, Sticky Toffee Pudding & Custard and Apple & Oat Cookies. Fresh fruit salad is also on the menu every day.

Your food will no longer be served on plastic flight trays, but on china plates with stainless steel cutlery.

DON'T FORGET:
It is still your responsibility to clean away after yourself and ensure the canteen is kept clean and tidy.

TRACKERS SALAD BAR

This area serves fresh, healthy foods like salads, pasta pots, sandwiches, hot and cold baguettes, tortilla wraps and jacket potatoes - all freshly prepared each day!!!

Fresh Fruit and yoghurt are also on offer.

Drinks on offer include milk, mineral water, fruit juices and milkshakes.

REMEMBER:
100ml of fruit juice can count as one portion towards your 5 a day!

TRACKERS PASTA BAR

Pasta is a great lunctime meal for pupils as it's incredibly healthy - low in salt, rich in vitamins and entirely cholesterol free, making it the perfect energy food for a busy student!

Choose from a daily choice of 2 delicious sauces to pour over the hot Italian pasta both freshly prepared every day at our Pasta Bar.

We offer a wide range of flavours including meat and vegetarian sauces which suit all diets and tastes as well as offering great value for money!

TRACKERS LITE BITE OPTION

This is a swift service for pupils on the go!

It's the best place to visit if you're after a quick, hot, nutritious meal at lunchtime but don't have the time to sit down and eat a full meal.

Offering hot filled baguettes and rolls, pizza and jacket potatoes, it's perfect for students attending lunchtime lessons or clubs.

WHAT ELSE IS ON OFFER?

WAKE UP BARS
Most comprehensive schools offer a Wake Up bar serving bacon/sausage baps, toast and fresh fruit before the school day starts!

So why not enjoy a breakfast with your friends every morning?

To see if a Wake Up Bar is running in your school, check with the canteen staff.

MID MORNING BREAK
Unlike primary school, your canteen will be open and serving hot and cold foods during your morning break. Items on offer include hot & cold baguettes & rolls, sandwiches, pizza and fresh fruit.

It is the perfect time to grab a snack and refuel before lunchtime!!

VENDING MACHINES
These are available to use all day and after school and can be found in your canteen.

Full of healthy, nutritious foods, the machines stock anything from pasta pots and sandwiches to healthy snacks and drinks.

PRE-ORDER, COLLECT & GO!
If you don't have time to queue at lunchtime, why not use our Pre-Order system to miss the lunchtime rush! Simply pick up a Pre-Order form from the canteen in the morning or download a copy on the link below, make your selection, hand it to the kitchen staff with your payment and collect your lunch at the beginning of lunch service - simple! This service is offered at selected Comprehensive Schools in the Borough. Please check with your school kitchen if they are currently operating this system.

Comprehensive Schools Pre-Order Form