Fuelled for success

School Meals

A healthy, balanced diet plays a vital role in helping students learn effectively, stay focused and achieve their very best – both inside and outside the classroom.

At Hammersmith Academy, all students eat Academy-provided meals. We do not allow packed lunches.

This is a deliberate and important choice. We believe that shared, nutritious meals are a powerful leveller, ensuring that every student, regardless of background, starts the day and learns on equal footing. Alongside our mobile phone-free school day, this approach creates calm, focused routines that support wellbeing, concentration and positive social interaction.

A key part of this culture is that staff and students dine together in the canteen each day. This creates a positive community dining experience where conversation, courtesy and strong relationships are encouraged, helping to strengthen the sense of belonging across the Academy.

This approach allows us to:

  • Ensure all students have access to healthy, freshly prepared meals.
  • Maintain consistency in portion size, nutrition, and food quality.
  • Minimise the risk of allergens across the school environment.
  • Promote equality and inclusion — every student enjoys the same high standard of food, regardless of background.

Our catering is provided by Innovate, a leading school food provider committed to delivering fresh, nutritious meals every day. Our menus are designed to support energy, concentration, and wellbeing, giving students the fuel they need to thrive.

Freshly Prepared Meals

Our catering is provided by Innovate, a leading school food provider committed to delivering fresh, nutritious meals every day. Our menus are designed to support energy, concentration, and wellbeing, giving students the fuel they need to thrive.

All food is prepared daily on-site by the Innovate team, using high-quality ingredients and seasonal produce. Each term features a three-week rotational menu that offers variety, balance and choice, while meeting all dietary and cultural requirements.

Week 1 Menu
Week 2 Menu
Week 3 Menu

Fresh fruit is available every day at breakfast, lunch, and break time. We do not sell sugary snacks or fizzy drinks – helping students make healthy choices that sustain energy throughout the day.

Please see our latest menus for current meal options and allergen information.

Free Breakfast at the Academy

We believe every student deserves the best possible start to their day. Research consistently shows that eating breakfast improves concentration, memory, and academic performance.

To help students begin each day ready to learn, we offer a free porridge breakfast in the cafeteria every morning, with additional healthy breakfast options available at a reduced cost.

 

Free School Meals

Students who are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) receive the same high-quality hot lunch from the school menu.

Click here for more information about Free School Meals (FSM)

Students may be entitled to Free School Meals (FSM) if parents or carers receive any of the following:

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit (without Working Tax Credit and with an income under £16,190)
  • Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for 4 weeks after eligibility ends)
  • Universal Credit (household income below £7,400 after tax, excluding benefits)

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

The guaranteed element of Pension Credit

Child Tax Credit (without Working Tax Credit and with an income under £16,190)

Children who receive qualifying benefits directly are also eligible. Families with no recourse to public funds may still qualify – please contact the Academy or your local authority for advice.

To check whether you are eligible and to apply for Free School Meals, please click here.

Please note: If your child received Free School Meals at primary school, this does not automatically transfer to secondary school. Parents and carers must provide evidence of eligibility, including a confirmation letter from your local authority, to the Academy’s Finance Department in order to continue receiving Free School Meals.

Supporting Healthy Habits for Life

At Hammersmith Academy we help students build healthy habits that support wellbeing, focus, and long-term achievement.

Through our partnership with Innovate, we ensure that every student enjoys food that is fresh, balanced, and made to inspire confidence and success in every aspect of school life.