Newtown High School has become the first school in north Powys to become 'cashless' as part of a new initiative.
Powys County Council is introducing electronic payments in schools which offers a convenient method for parents and carers to pay for school meals.
Under the new system, money can be pre-loaded and 'topped-up' on an online account with pupils using for school meals, and in the future, a range of other school based payments too, according to the council.
Those without internet access will be able to use local Pay-Point outlets such as newsagents, garages convenience stores and other local retail outlets.
The system can inform catering staff of specific dietary requirements such as allergies and parents/carers will also have the ability if required to see what their children are eating in school.
Cllr Arwel Jones, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: "We are pleased to introducing cashless payments to the first school in north Powys.
"We are in the early stages of being introduced but feedback so far has been very positive from parents, pupils and staff. It’s a system which benefits all and we look forward to progressing the project across the county."
An initial pilot and roll-out at Crickhowell High School earlier this year is already showing positive results, with initial figures showing the uptake (of both paid and free school meals) increasing by 10%. Queuing time for pupils at the till has also reduced.
It is anticipated the schools cashless system will be rolled out to all Powys County Council schools over the next two years.
Photo: Newtown High School pupils using the new system with (from left) Cllr Arwel Jones, Head Teacher Graeme Harkness, Chief Executive of Powys County Council Jeremy Patterson, and Cabinet Member for Finance Cllr Wynne Jones.