A hungry child cannot learn. At The Compton School, the catering provision is designed to be affordable, nutritious, and appealing to young people. The school recognises that lunchtime is not just about food — it is also a social opportunity and a break from the rigours of the school day. Whether your child brings a packed lunch or buys a hot meal, Compton ensures that they are well-fed and ready for afternoon lessons.
The school's canteen, known as "The Compton Kitchen," is operated by an in-house catering team (not an external contractor). This allows the school to control quality, portion sizes, and pricing directly. The kitchen serves a rotating three-week menu that includes hot main meals, jacket potatoes, pasta pots, sandwiches, salads, and fresh fruit. Every day there is a vegetarian option, a halal option, and a gluten-free option. Special dietary requirements — allergies, religious needs, or medical conditions — can be accommodated with advance notice. You can view the current school menu and dietary information at The Compton School .
Prices are kept low to ensure no child goes without. A full hot meal with a drink and dessert costs £2.50. A sandwich or salad meal deal costs £2.00. Individual items — water, juice, fruit, yoghurt, or crisps — range from 50p to £1.00. The school operates a cashless catering system: parents top up their child's account online via ParentPay, and students use a biometric fingerprint scanner or PIN code at the till. This system is fast, secure, and removes the stigma of free school meals. Full catering pricing and cashless payment setup at Compton School is explained in the parent handbook.
Free school meals (FSM) are available to students whose families receive Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, or other qualifying benefits. The application process is handled by Barnet Council, and the school can assist with paperwork. All FSM-eligible students receive a daily allowance of £2.50, automatically applied to their account each morning. The school ensures that FSM students cannot be identified by peers, as the biometric system does not display eligibility status.
The school also operates a breakfast club from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM in the canteen. Any student can attend for free, regardless of FSM status. Breakfast includes toast with spreads, cereal, fruit, and a drink. The breakfast club is supervised by staff and is popular with students who have long commutes, early morning sports practices, or simply prefer to eat at school. In 2024, the breakfast club served an average of 85 students per day.
The Compton School Barnet encourages healthy eating. The canteen does not sell fried food (except for fish fingers on Fridays), and all baked goods are made with reduced sugar. Vending machines are turned off during the school day, only available after 3:15 PM. Water fountains are located throughout the school, and students are encouraged to bring refillable bottles.
For parents who prefer packed lunches, the school provides a supervised dining area with seating, microwaves for heating food, and chilled water. However, packed lunches must not contain nuts, energy drinks, or glass containers. The school reserves the right to confiscate unhealthy or unsafe items.
The Compton School London recognises that good nutrition is part of a good education. To top up your child's catering account, view menu cycles, or apply for free school meals, visit https://thecomptonschool.co.uk.