ALL secondary school pupils will be taught how to cook healthy meals under plans put forward by the Government.

Technology classes for 11-14 year-olds will be reviewed by the curriculum watchdog to make sure children understand the links between poor diet and obesity.

Pupils will receive practical cooking lessons so they can learn about the importance of a balanced diet, food safety and hygiene. The announcement follows Education Secretary Ruth Kelly's promise last week to ban sweets and junk food from school canteens and vending machines in England.

Currently, learning about food is compulsory at primary school but not at secondary level.

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority will now review the way food technology is taught and ministers hope the result will be compulsory practical classes for all 11-14 year-olds. A spokeswoman for the Department for Education said: "Children in the future will not only be eating healthier meals in schools but will understand why these meals are healthier."

The issue of school meals rose to national prominence earlier this year after TV chef Jamie Oliver launched a campaign to coincide with his TV series, Jamies School Dinners.