Watford schools reveal whether they serve non-halal meat

Bushey Meads came under fire from a "disgruntled" parent earlier this year after confirming pupils were only being served halal chicken and beef.

It said it would "happily consider serving non-halal meat where requested", but the story sparked debate as to whether students should be given the choice.

The Watford Observer has since submitted Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to other local schools to find out what types of chicken and beef are being offered, and whether kosher is available. See the results below:

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Croxley Danes School, Baldwins Lane, Croxley Green

• Halal chicken: Yes
• Halal beef: No
• Non-halal chicken: Yes
• Non-halal beef: Yes
• Kosher food: No

In the response, the school said halal beef was not a popular item, so it was removed from the menu.

The school added it has not had a request for kosher meals and neither does it have the facilities to be able to deliver them.

It said staff would always endeavour to accommodate a suitable meal if it was viable.

Future Academies Watford, Horseshoe Lane, Watford

• Halal chicken: Yes
• Halal beef: Yes
• Non-halal chicken: Yes
• Non-halal beef: Yes
• Kosher food: No

The school said it would consider requests to serve kosher items, but a decision would be determined by several factors such as the overall demand.

Kings Langley Secondary School, Love Lane, Kings Langley

• Halal chicken: Yes
• Halal beef: No
• Non-halal chicken: Yes
• Non-halal beef: Yes
• Kosher food: No

There is no demand for kosher products, the school said.

The school added that it would consider serving the products currently not on the menu if it was asked.

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Parmiter’s School, High Elms Lane, Watford

• Halal chicken: Yes
• Halal beef: Yes
• Non-halal chicken: No
• Non-halal beef: No
• Kosher food: No

Parmiter’s School says it does not serve non-halal chicken and beef because it is determined by the needs of the demographic of the school.

Any of the items not offered would be considered if a request arose.

Queens’ School, Aldenham Road, Bushey

• Halal chicken: Yes
• Halal beef: Yes
• Non-halal chicken: Yes
• Non-halal beef: Yes
• Kosher food: No

The school said it would consider purchasing kosher food if a request was made.

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Rickmansworth School, Scotts Hill, Croxley Green  

• Halal chicken: Yes
• Halal beef: Yes
• Non-halal chicken: No
• Non-halal beef: No
• Kosher food: No

The school said: “Rickmansworth School contracts its school meals to Culinera who offer a healthy and nutritious menu to students.

“On a daily basis there are numerous options available, including vegetarian meals.”

St Michael's Catholic High School, High Elms Lane, Watford

• Halal chicken: No
• Halal beef: No
• Non-halal chicken: Yes
• Non-halal beef: Yes
• Kosher food: No

The school said it does not have demand for halal and kosher food.

However, it said it would consider requests for either option but it would need to be viable for the school practically and financially.

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Watford Grammar School for Boys, Rickmansworth Road, Watford

• Halal chicken: Yes
• Halal beef: Yes
• Non-halal chicken: No
• Non-halal beef: No
• Kosher food: No

Currently there is no client requirement for non-halal chicken or beef and it does not have a separate kitchen to cater for kosher food, the school said.

It would consider serving food not currently provided if kitchen facilities allowed it.

Watford Grammar School for Girls, Lady’s Close, Watford

• Halal chicken: Yes
• Halal beef: Yes
• Non-halal chicken: No
• Non-halal beef: No
• Kosher food: No

The school said it is easier to have one type of meat and has a large population of Muslim and Asian students in the school.

It added kosher is not an option from its suppliers.

However, the school said it would consider making all items available that are not on the menu if requested.  

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Westfield Academy, Tolpits Lane

• Halal chicken: Yes
• Halal beef: Yes
• Non-halal chicken: No
• Non-halal beef: No
• Non-halal chicken and beef is served in the sixth form cafe
• Kosher food: No

Vegetarian options are served daily and any further requests for food not sold will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, the school said.  

The Grange Academy, London Road, Bushey

• Halal chicken: Yes
• Halal beef: Yes
• Non-halal chicken: Yes
• Non-halal beef: Yes
• Kosher food: No

The school said it would consider requests to serve kosher items, but a decision would be determined by several factors such as the overall demand.

Bushey Meads School, Coldharbour Lane, Bushey

• Halal chicken: Yes
• Halal beef: Yes
• Non-halal chicken: No
• Non-halal beef: No
• Kosher food: No

Bushey Meads School said it does not serve non-halal meat due to the customer base.

It added it would consider serving food that is not provided if a sufficient number of parents and students requested this in the future.