“By talking frankly as a gay man and listening to the concerns of staff, students, parents and governors, I hope the visits may make a difference and also give confidence to gay students about their lives in the future.” Sir Ian McKellen, who is touring UK secondary schools as part of a Stonewall campaign against homophobia.

“Our own research in schools shows clear links between the food that children eat at lunchtime, the environment in which they eat and their concentration and behaviour in lessons after lunch.”

Judy Hargadon, chief executive, the School Food Trust.