THE Jamie Oliver effect has hit results at catering group Compass, which provides school meals across Hampshire.

The world's largest catering company, which employs 400 people in the region, reported a weak performance at its education arm as students shun healthier food pioneered by the TV chef.

The Scolarest arm of Compass provides food at six secondary schools in Hampshire and Southampton.

A spokesman said Scolarest, which does not disclose which schools it works in, was experiencing difficulties with secondary schools following the introduction of healthier menus in September.

The campaign for better quality meals was sparked by TV show Jamie's School Dinners but it seems youngsters still hanker after fatty lunch options.

The company said that - unlike primary schoolchildren - older pupils can walk out of the school gate at lunchtime if they do not like what is on offer.

Compass suggested a "longer phased approach" might have been more successful, with closer working between education authorities and parents.

The spokesman said: "The standards came into force in September and all of a sudden we introduced healthier food. Unsurprisingly, it takes a while to get used to.

"Parts of the education sector continue to remain challenging with organic revenue declining four per cent overall. This is largely a result of reduced participation, particularly in state secondary schools, as the take-up of healthier options remains slow."

Although Compass reported a six per cent increase in pre-tax profits to £363m, the company views state education as its most testing sector.