Clevedon School Students Drive Record-Breaking Lunch Success with Local Food Initiative
By Schools Correspondent
Clevedon School students are making a real impact by working with their catering partner, Chartwells, to reduce food miles, support British farming, and boost uptake of healthier school meals.
Their efforts have led to record-breaking demand for a new chicken menu, “Clandos,” following a switch to locally sourced produce.
The North Somerset school has partnered with its catering company, Chartwells, and local supplier Lye Cross Farm to provide high-quality, locally sourced meat, including chicken.
Each week, the chicken is marinated in a variety of flavours — from piri-piri to Texan BBQ — before being oven-baked and served with seasoned piri-piri chips and fresh salad.
The menu, branded “Clandos” by students, offers a Clevedon twist on a popular high-street favourite.
The response from students has been immediate and overwhelmingly positive.
Lunchtime queues have grown significantly, with the school recording three consecutive weeks of record-breaking meal uptake as pupils embrace the healthier, locally sourced option.
Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, ensuring that all students can enjoy a range of healthy, sustainable choices alongside the new menu.
Headteacher Jim Smith said:
“Our students have long championed the environmental impact of our food provision.
“We’re proud to have maintained a plastic-free food and drink offer for the past 10 years. When they discovered that some chicken was being sourced from China, they were quick to push for change — and this is the result.”
With increasing national focus on food standards and sustainability, the initiative reflects a wider shift towards supporting British farming and reducing environmental impact.
Stephen Fudge, Chartwells Head Chef at Clevedon School, added:
“We are passionate about providing the highest quality food in our school restaurant. A commitment to excellence, alongside ethical and sustainable sourcing, is at the heart of everything we do.
“Seeing such a positive response from students — and those record-breaking queues — has been fantastic. It shows what can be achieved when students are engaged and empowered to make a difference.”
Jim Smith added, “This successful collaboration highlights the powerful role students can play in shaping more sustainable choices — benefiting not only their school community, but the wider environment and local economy.”
