Water only as Acland Burghley school bans all fizzy drinks

A School is believed to be the first in London to become “water only” and ban fizzy drinks for pupils.

Acland Burghley in Camden is setting out to improve health — but has even banned fruit juice and diet drinks.

The school hopes its water-only policy will boost grades if it helps children to better concentrate. But the move has led to claims from pupils and parents that it is becoming like a “diet camp”.

Fruit juice was banned on the grounds that coloured liquids could confuse staff, who want to “avoid having to examine drinks”.

Some entrepreneurial teenagers have spotted the “business potential” of smuggling in contraband cola, lemonade, orangeade and other soft drinks to sell at inflated prices. The ban was announced in a newsletter to parents. No food was banned, with sweets and chocolate cleared for consumption in the grounds.

Pupil Jake Phillips, 15, said that “speakeasies” are starting up selling the prohibited drinks. “There is business potential now there’s a gap in the market,” he said.

“Gangsters sold alcohol in America when that was banned. Prohibition always leads to supply and demand. That means anyone who sneaks it in can make a lot of money.” Pupils under 16 are not allowed out at lunchtimes so they cannot buy drinks elsewhere.

Sam Blundell, also 15, said: “What’s the point of banning sugary drinks, but not sugary or fatty foods? This is turning into more of a diet camp than a school.”

Headteacher Jo Armitage said: “Schools are responsible for showing young people that their own behaviour impacts on their health. We are extremely proud to be Camden’s first water-only school.

“Students are fully aware that water is a clean, free and healthy drink and that, in comparison, a bottle of Lucozade containing 27 spoons of sugar is only damaging their health.

“Not only that, without sugary drinks students are better able to focus on their learning.”