Canteen
There are two dining room facilities in the school, one for main school and one for Sixth Form. Both are modern, attractive spaces that are popular with students and staff alike. We operate a cashless catering system powered through ArborPay.
Food is fresh and locally sourced where ever possible. It is prepared and cooked on the premises by Aspens Catering. The team are all experienced and led by a professional cook with a diverse background in the catering world who has brought this vibrant mix to our school and the menus provided.
Parents and carers can view what their child is purchasing in the canteen by logging in to Arbor Pay.
Free School Meals
In England a Free School Meal (FSM) is a statutory benefit available to school aged children from families who receive other qualifying benefits.
Since June 2026, FSM applications must be renewed each year. If you have any queries, please email the free school meals team at: freeschoolmeals@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or call 01305 221090.
The daily FSM allowance is £2.80; if this is not spent it is not carried forward to the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do free school meals work?
Each student who is eligible for free school meals will automatically receive a daily credit on their account of £2.80. They can use this to purchase a meal from the dining room. The credit will only be available to spend on that day to spend on school meal items. Students receiving free school meals are not distinguishable from students paying with their own money.
My child receives free school meals, but I want to give them some extra money. Can I still do this?
A free school meals student’s account can be topped up in the same way as any other. Topped up funds can be spent when the student chooses.
How can I top-up my child's account using the Arbor Parent App?
Payment can be made by credit or debit card or by using Apple Pay or Google Pay. Payment is credited to the account and available to spend immediately.
I want to top up once per term, but don’t want my child to spend all of the money straight away.
The system has a limit of £5 per day for each student to spend. If you wish to change this amount please email AborPay@poolehigh.poole.sch.uk.
How will I be able to check my child's balance?
Balances can be checked via the Arbor App. Students can also check their balances by scanning their fob on the 'balance check' device near student services.
My child has lost their fob, what can I do?
Replacement fobs are available from main reception. Please be advised there will be a £1 charge for a replacement. Any information held on the lost fob will be disabled. Another student will not be able to use the fob as a photo will be shown on the cashiers screen to check ID. Replacement fobs must be ordered via the Arbor Parent App.
What happens if my child forgets their fob?
The cashier can perform a manual look up on the screen and access their account from there.
My child has food allergies will the canteen staff know about this?
