Water Only Schools

Being a Water Only School means that water (and certain plain, reduced fat milk - this includes semi-skimmed or skimmed, lactose free and soya milk) is the only drink available at a school. 

This means all times of day, not just lunchtime - although exceptions may be made for medical or welfare reasons, or if children are under 5.

It's an important public health initiative, championed by the Mayor and other partners. The idea is to help prevent obesity and tooth decay among young Londoners by boosting water intake and discouraging sugary drinks.

The Mayor of London supports Water Only Schools through his Healthy Schools London (HSL) programme.

This includes sharing Water Only Schools toolkits and other resources, created with partners, to help both primary and secondary schools on the journey to becoming water only.

Explore all resources below

For more information and support, you can also read an evaluation of water only school policies in London, funded by the Mayor.

Led by professor Huda Yusuf and the dental public health team at the institute of dentistry, Queen Mary University London, this important evaluation reveals positive attitudes towards water only policies among school staff, young people and parents. What's more, these policies were proven to promote healthier habits among young people.

The evaluation explores both facilitators and barriers to becoming a water only school emphasising the importance of collaborate effort between schools, parents, communities and policy makers.