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Written question asked by Hannah Spencer (Green Party) on Friday, 29 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 June 2026. It was answered by Josh MacAlister (Labour) on Monday, 8 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Schools: Drinking Water

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring schools to provide easy access to free drinking water.

Answer

The department takes the health and wellbeing of both pupils and staff very seriously. All schools need to be safe, well-maintained, and compliant with all relevant regulations. This is the responsibility of those running our schools, which includes local authorities, academy trusts and voluntary aided school bodies.

All schools must ensure their water supply meets the requirements of either the School Premises (England) Regulations 2012 or the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, for maintained schools and academies respectively.

These Regulations set strict requirements that schools must provide suitable drinking water facilities and that they are clearly labelled and readily accessible at all times when schools are in use. The Water Supply Regulations 2016 requires water to be wholesome at the point of consumption and the School Premises Regulations reinforces this requirement.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
5028
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Drinking water Schools
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk