Food

Feeding a thriving school community is no small feat. With a full timetable of pupils and staff to cater for, and a packed calendar of school events, the demands on our Catering Team are considerable — and they rise to meet them every single day.

What sets our team apart is their attitude. Enthusiastic, resourceful, and genuinely passionate about what they do, they approach every service with warmth and professionalism. They ensure that every meal is carefully balanced to give pupils the nutrition and energy they need to thrive throughout a busy school day.

At Abbot’s Hill we take pride in offering a diverse, nutritious, and delicious dining experience that meets the tastes and dietary needs of all our pupils. Every meal is thoughtfully prepared to be both satisfying and health-conscious, supporting the well-being of our school community.

We believe that good food matters. A well-balanced, appetising diet doesn’t just fuel growing bodies—it supports concentration, energy, and wellbeing throughout the school day. That’s why mealtimes at Abbot’s Hill are something rather special.

Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are all served in our welcoming Dining Hall, where students gather to refuel and socialise. Our menus rotate on a three-week cycle and change with the seasons, ensuring variety, freshness, and dishes that genuinely excite young appetites.

From hearty main meals and vegetarian options to jacket potatoes with tempting fillings, and a vibrant salad bar, there’s always something to suit every taste. Add to that fresh fruit, yoghurt, and both hot and cold desserts, and you’ll see why our pupils look forward to mealtimes. If you ask them for their favourites, you will almost certainly hear the same answers: katsu chicken, classic macaroni cheese, and chocolate flapjack. And of course, the weekly roast dinner!

We cater fully for all dietary requirements and, as a matter of best practice, avoid using nuts or nut traces in our kitchens wherever possible.

Inclusive and Diverse Menu

Recognising the cultural diversity of our pupils, daily menus feature a wide selection of hot and cold meat, vegetarian, and vegan dishes, alongside options free from common allergens

Our catering team works closely with parents and pupils to accommodate specific dietary requirements – very child deserves to enjoy their food with confidence.

Quality and Variety

Nearly everything is homemade on site by our talented kitchen team, using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. It’s food prepared with love, skill, and attention to quality.

Our Catering Manager, Mercedes and Head Chef Emily, are passionate about excellence and strive to provide meals of high quality and variety. They work closely with all our suppliers because when it comes to your child’s nutrition, only the best will do.

Dining Facilities

Meals are served in our traditional Dining Hall, creating a communal and inclusive atmosphere. Younger pupils in Nursery, Reception, and Year 1 enjoy meals in the Annex, while Junior School pupils dine with their teachers at lunchtime and with boarding staff for breakfast and supper, fostering a warm, family-style experience.

Snacks and Hydration

To keep energy levels high throughout the day, all students are provided with mid-morning snacks and are encouraged to stay hydrated.

"I was worried the food would be like typical school dinners, but it's actually really good. There's always loads of choice and the salad bar means I can have something different every day"
Current Pupil

Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

It matters to us that our pupils are happy at school. If you feel safe, known, cared for, and properly understood, everything else comes naturally. No-one can do their best if they are unhappy, and doing your best is all we ask. Abbot’s Hill is a lot of great things, but most important of them is this; our is a happy school.

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Visit Us

There are many ways to get a taste of life at Abbot’s Hill – whatever you choose, you can be sure of a warm welcome. We are very proud of everything that goes on each day in our classrooms, outside in the 76 acres of parkland and through our extensive co-curricular programme, and our pupils are always keen to meet prospective families and chat about their experiences at school. We know that our pupils are our very best ambassadors!