School lunch for teenagers in secondary school and vocational training

Terms used

• Comedor — The comedor is a school canteen serving a cooked midday meal.
• Recreo — The recreo is the mid-morning school break, usually 20 to 30 minutes.
• Almuerzo — The almuerzo is a mid-morning snack eaten at the recreo, not the main meal.
• Bocadillo — A bocadillo is a sandwich made with a baguette-style roll.
• Táper — A táper is a packed lunch box brought from home.
• Reglamento de régimen interior — The reglamento de régimen interior is a school's internal rulebook, including whether pupils may leave at break.

Key rules

• Comedor: Most institutos and FP centres have no comedor, so plan for lunch at home.
• Under 16: ESO pupils normally cannot leave school during the day without a parent or written permission.
• Rules vary: Each school sets its own rules on leaving at the recreo, so ask it directly.

Expect no comedor at secondary level

Most institos and FP centres do not have a comedor (school canteen). Secondary school is normally one continuous morning block, from about 8:00 to 14:30 or 15:00. Teenagers eat their main meal at home afterwards.

A comedor does exist in some places. It is mostly in rural areas with school transport, in boarding or residence arrangements, and in some regions for ESO pupils (for example Galicia, Asturias, Aragon and Castilla y León). Places are limited, and aid is less common than in primary school. Ask the specific instituto what it offers.

What teenagers eat instead

Mid-morning there is a break of 20 to 30 minutes, the recreo. This is when they eat the almuerzo, a snack. Most teenagers do one of these:

• Bring a bocadillo. A sandwich or other packed snack from home, with the main meal at home later. Many schools encourage healthy snacks and may ban sweets, pastries or sugary drinks. Some ask for nut-free food where pupils have allergies.
• Buy at the school. Some schools have a cafetería or kiosk selling sandwiches, pastries and drinks. Not all do.
• Go home. This works only if the school has a split day with a long midday break. That is now rarer in secondary schools.
• Eat nearby or bring a táper. In towns with a split day, pupils may eat at a nearby bar or bakery. Others bring a packed lunch (táper) to eat at school, where the school allows a space for it.

Can your teenager leave at the recreo?

It depends on age and on the school.

• ESO pupils (under 16) are normally not allowed to leave during school hours, including the recreo. The exception is when a parent or guardian collects them or has given written permission.
• Bachillerato and ciclos formativos students are mostly 16 or older. They are often allowed to leave at the recreo or between classes.

Each school sets this in its internal rules (reglamento de régimen interior), and it varies by region and school. Ask for a copy when you enrol.

What to do

1. Ask the instituto or FP centre if it has a comedor, a cafetería or a space for packed lunches.
2. Ask what its rules are on leaving at the recreo, and what written permission it needs.
3. If you need a hot midday meal and there is no comedor, ask the school about nearby options. In some regions, public schools offer a comedor only in primary.

The questions below cover leaving school at the recreo and which institutos are most likely to have a comedor.

Frequently asked questions

Can my teenager leave school at the recreo to buy food?

It depends on age: pupils in ESO, who are under 16, are normally not allowed to leave unless a parent or guardian collects them or gives written authorisation. Bachillerato and ciclos formativos students, mostly 16 or older, are often allowed to leave at recreo. Each school sets this in its internal rules, so ask the instituto.

Which institutos are most likely to have a comedor?

Institutos in rural areas with school transport, boarding arrangements, and some regions for ESO pupils are the most likely to have a comedor. Galicia, Asturias, Aragon and Castilla y León are examples.