The headteacher of Charlton Manor school, which appeared in Jamie Oliver's hard-hitting childhood obesity documentary, called the sugar tax a “courageous” move by the government today (March 18).

Tim Baker, principal of the school in Indus Road, said it was “an important step in child health”.

Chancellor George Osborne unveiled a tax on the makers of sugary soft drinks during the 2016 budget this week.

It aims to tackle childhood obesity, with funds raised to go towards more sport in primary schools.

Last September, children from Charlton Manor primary school were among the campaigners in Jamie Oliver’s documentary – Sugar Rush - “declaring war on sugar” and demanding an extra tax on sugary drinks.

The Channel 4 programme filmed at the school, which has led its own campaign on healthy eating.

Mr Baker said: “I am delighted that the government are going to introduce this tax,” said Mr Baker.

“Whilst we congratulate the government for their courage with this measure, we will also keep working hard to convince them to introduce a bigger focus on food education and good quality school meals when they launch the childhood obesity strategy.

“Charlton Manor have demonstrated every day that this can be achieved and compliments the teaching and delivery of the curriculum greatly, we hope that many other schools will follow our lead in this area.”

The school, which holds its own annual conference on healthy eating, is involved in Jamie Oliver’s charity, the Kitchen Garden Project, which aims to raise awareness of the need for children to make healthy choices.

“The nutritional values of food are not only helping to build healthy bodies but also helps children to concentrate and to focus, therefore having a beneficial impact on their learning and attainment,” said Mr Baker.