A headteacher believes the introduction of healthier dinners in school has led to huge improvement in children's behaviour and levels of concentration.

Tom Walker, headteacher of Cowley St James Primary School in Oxford says he is astounded by the change he has seen in pupils' attitude since the new healthy menu came in at the start of the school year.

Chips and fizzy drinks have been replaced with healthy dishes such as fish pie, fresh salads and water.

The kitchen has also been given a £25,000 makeover and instead of foods being delivered from a central kitchen at Oxford Community School, much more is now prepared on site.

The team of dinner ladies encourage children to try new things and the number of pupils buying school lunches has increased by 50 per cent (from 60 to 90).

And the result of all this is clear to see.

A year ago the canteen was chaotic and noisy at lunchtime.

At the school yesterday the atmosphere was quiet and calm, with no suggestion of trouble.

Mr Walker said: "I have really noticed a change in attitude among the children.

"There is a much greater sense of calmness and a feeling that sitting down to eat is something pleasant to do rather than a task to get out of the way.

"The children are much better behaved and I certainly think the change will lead to better performances in lessons and exams."

Lunchtime supervisor Denise Hinton, who keeps a watchful eye on the children during the lunch break, said: "You can see those children that have eaten healthy lunches. They are not so hyper now because they don't get the sugar intake. There is a lot less trouble."

The children have also given the new menus, which are different every day, the big thumbs-up. Nine-year-old Callum Ruddock said: "It's really nice and much healthier and you can mix things up now, so you can have rice with whatever you want. You get jugs of water on every table, which is brilliant."

Abbie Foster, seven, added: "It's very nice because you get mini boxes of salad and that is very healthy, and you get little trays with food on, which is so yummy.

"I have a bit more energy now and I've started to play football on the field."

Sue Gonzalez, who has overall responsibility for the catering at the school, said: "It's brilliant - there is a whole school approach to food. We must fulfill the requirements of teachers and staff and meetings after school. It's great to see kids enjoying food. It's a more challenging environment, but much more rewarding as well. Dinner ladies are now actively encouraging children to try different types of food which is great."