At the heart of GORSE Kitchen is a simple ambition: to provide good-quality, nutritious food that students enjoy, served by catering teams who are an important part of our academy communities.

We know that good food matters. It supports our students through a busy academy day and provides an important opportunity to come together, enjoy a meal and make positive choices.

Our menus have been developed to offer choice, variety and value, balancing nutritious meals with familiar favourites. Students will be able to choose from hot meals, lighter dishes and convenient grab-and-go options, alongside vegetarian and plant-based choices.

GORSE Kitchen launched in September 2026. Listening to our students and using their feedback to help shape future menus and the wider catering offer is a key commitment.

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are currently entitled to a free school meal through the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme.

Children in other year groups may also be eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals, depending on their family’s circumstances. We would encourage eligible families to apply, even if their child does not intend to have a school meal every day. Further information about eligibility and how to apply can be found here.

Payments are to be made via Parentpay which is available on the MNA App.

For pupils who pay for their school meals, the daily cost of a school meal is £2.66. For Nursery children the cost will be £1.86 per day.

The safety of our pupils is fundamental to GORSE Kitchen. We have clear procedures in place to support the safe management of food allergies and dietary requirements.

An Allergy Aware Menu is available for pupils whose allergies relate to the 14 regulated allergens. Where we have received notification that a pupil has an allergy to one or more of these 14 allergens, they will automatically be provided with the Allergy Aware Menu.

We recognise that some pupils have more complex allergies, intolerances or medical dietary requirements. Where a specialist diet is required, we will work closely with families and academy colleagues to understand the pupil’s individual requirements and determine the appropriate arrangements.

Families have an important role to play and must ensure that the academy holds complete and up-to-date information about their child’s allergies or dietary requirements. Any changes should be shared with the academy promptly.

To tell us about an allergy, intolerance or medical dietary requirement, please contact: [email protected].

Pupils will be supported by academy and catering colleagues at lunchtime. Where there is any uncertainty about whether a particular food is suitable for a pupil with an allergy, it is important that they do not take a risk and that this is checked with the catering team.