Of those surveyed, 70% wanted to know where the ingredients in their school dinners had come from.

The survey was commissioned by the Department for Children Schools and Families to support its sustainable schools initiative.

Over two thirds of the teenagers surveyed said they would take action if they saw someone not being included or welcomed at their school.

The sustainable schools initiative encourages schools to take on board the principles of sustainable development in their everyday work.

It also focuses on healthy living, environmental awareness, community participation and "global citizenship".

The government has produced range of resources and activities to help schools teach about sustainability.

It says pupils can learn about sustainability both in the classroom and from their firsthand experience of how their schools are run.

Young People's Minister Kevin Brennan said: "These survey figures show that young people really do care about sustainability issues and they want their schools to be healthy, welcoming and environmentally friendly places.

"Schools play a vital role at the heart of communities and lead the way in encouraging our young people to live sustainably now and in the future.

"Many schools are already addressing some of these issues, which is very encouraging, but this survey shows how young people would like their schools to go further."

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