A SCHOOL in Bolton is now serving up more than just top grades for the first time in 30 years.

Bolton Muslim Girls’ School — the borough’s top performing state school — is now able to provide hot, nutritious school meals prepared on site.

Until now children had no choice but to opt for packed lunches or eat meals which had been brought from elsewhere.

Now the girls are able to enjoy something other children have always taken from granted.

Thanks to funding for voluntary aided schools, the secondary school has invested £140,000 in new kitchens.

Headteacher Idrish Patel said the new facilities will ensure all children now receive a nutritious meal at school.

In addition to lunch, pupils can have breakfast at school and snacks at break times to ensure they have energy to concentrate on their lessons.

Mr Patel said: “The school opened in 1987 and in 2007 became a voluntary aided school and we have been waiting a long time for the facility.

“Before we had two microwaves for pupils to warm food they could bring from home and we were able to bring in meals with an agreement with another school, which was good, but the choice was limited because not all food was suitable for transporting.

“Sometimes pupils would go without eating or were eating unhealthy snacks. They would complain about headaches.

“Now more than 50 percent of pupils are having school meals and they say healthy body, healthy mind. Having a nutritious school dinner means that they are able to concentrate in the afternoon.”

He added: “Dinnertime is now much more social for the girls, which is very important.”

The catering facilities will also enrich the curriculum for the pupils as they will have themed events and learn about food.

Girls say there is now a real buzz around lunchtimes.

Musha Shail, aged 12, said: “School dinners are really popular.

“Dinnertimes are much better than in year seven and I have met more people.”

Ayshah Khan, aged 13, added: “We have healthier options which means we have more energy and it makes it easier for parents in the morning. We really enjoy them.”

“It helps pupils’ social skills.” said Samar Ali.