Food

We understand that food plays a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging and comfort, as well as providing the nourishment growing young people need. That’s why we create opportunities for celebratory meals, dining in House or year groups, and exploring the cuisines of different cultures – making mealtimes both enjoyable and memorable. Dining at Lancing is more than just a meal – it’s a shared experience in a beautiful setting.

The Dining Hall

At Lancing College, pupils and staff come together to dine in our central Dining Hall, where we take great pride in offering a superb and varied selection of dishes. Wherever possible, we use locally sourced ingredients – including produce from our very own College Farm – to create fresh, high-quality meals.

At Lancing, lunch and supper always feature a variety of freshly prepared options, including homemade soup, a salad bar, vegetarian and vegan dishes, and a selection of hot mains – plus, of course, delicious desserts. We encourage pupils to be adventurous with their food, and explore new flavours.

Menus also reflect House preferences, with requested dishes included in each cycle. Pupil-led initiatives, such as Meat-Free Meals, street food counters, and deli bars, have added even more variety to our offering.

Dietary Needs

If your child has any specific dietary requirements, please share as much detail as possible so our Catering Team can provide the right support. Lancing is an allergy aware school, and vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options are always available. We also cater for religious dietary needs, including Halal meat and accommodations for those fasting during Ramadan.

Our Head of Catering is always happy to hear from parents and work closely with pupils to ensure everyone’s dietary needs are met.

Food Committee

Our Head of Catering and Executive Chef meet with pupil representatives from each House through the Food Committee, twice a term. This ensures that our three-week menu cycle reflects House preferences, seasonal availability, and the best of local produce.

Between Meals

Each House is well-equipped with kitchens where pupils can prepare hot and cold snacks, with toast, fresh fruit, and a selection of teas readily available. Weekends often bring a more social dining experience, as pupils cook together or enjoy treats like pizzas and pancakes in their Houses.

Adding to the variety, weekends also feature on-site ‘takeaway’ options, with international food trucks—including Italian, Greek, or Middle Eastern cuisine – setting up on campus to cook fresh food to order.

Fives Café

The newly established Fives Café is another popular spot for children to socialise, open at break, in the late afternoon, evening, and weekends, offering a range of hot and cold snacks and drinks.

Tuck

Pupils may keep a reasonable selection of tuck in their lockable tuckbox (available from the uniform shop in a variety of colours). HMMs and matrons do their best to monitor tuck. Excessive sugary or unhealthy snacks can impact energy levels, sleep, mood, and academic performance. We, therefore, appreciate parents’ support in keeping tuck balanced.