A Bedfordshire secondary school has become the first in Britain to remove all fizzy drinks, crisps and sweets from its vending machines and replace them with healthier options.
Pupils at Queensbury School in Dunstable now have a choice of mineral water, organic fruit juice and snacks such as muesli bars.
The move stems from ministerial efforts to persuade schools to tackle the growing problem of child obesity.
Nigel Hill, the school’s headteacher, said: “We took the ethical decision that is facing thousands of schools. Do you put students’ health first or the money you can make from selling them chocolate and fizzy drinks?”
Eight of the new machines, which sell only additive-free goods, were installed yesterday and met with a positive response from pupils.
Hill added: “Though we don’t have major issues with behaviour here, we still believe that a better range of drinks and snacks will improve concentration in the classroom and the general atmosphere around the school.”