Tender

Learning Academies Trust Catering Tender 2026 (Plymouth)

PROCUREMENT FOR SCHOOLS LTD

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderAmendment

11 Mar 2026 at 10:19

Tender Notice
Tender

10 Mar 2026 at 23:22

Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Learning Academies Trust in Plymouth is currently in the tender stage for its 2026 Catering Tender, aiming to secure a seasoned catering contractor to provide high-quality service across 18 academies. With the tender closing on 17th April 2026, interested parties must demonstrate capability in delivering nutritious and appealing meals on a large scale, with the contract proposed to commence on 1st August 2026 and run until 31st July 2030. Using an open procedure for procurement, the Trust has earmarked a substantial budget of £15,000,000 GBP for this initiative under the industry category "School meals." Located in the South West region of the UK, the Trust emphasises the need for contractors to ensure high food standards and service excellence throughout the contract period.

This tender presents an excellent opportunity for businesses specialising in large-scale educational catering services to expand their footprint. Companies with a robust track record of managing similar operations and a strong commitment to continuous improvement stand to benefit significantly from this contract. The procurement excludes SMEs and VCSEs, favouring larger entities capable of handling a daily uptake of approximately 5,600 meals across multiple academies. The Trust seeks a partner who can bring innovative menu development and effective management structures to enhance the dining experience in schools, making this contract particularly suitable for established catering firms looking to leverage their expertise in the education sector.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Learning Academies Trust Catering Tender 2026 (Plymouth)

Notice Description

The Learning Academies Trust, comprising 18 academies across Plymouth, is seeking to appoint a professional and experienced catering contractor to deliver high-quality catering services across its schools. The Trust is looking for a provider with a strong track record of managing catering operations of a similar scale within the education sector and the capability to deliver consistent, nutritious, and appealing food for pupils and staff. Through this tender process, the Trust aims to enhance its catering provision by partnering with a contractor who shares its commitment to high food standards, excellent service delivery, and continuous improvement. The successful provider will be expected to demonstrate effective management structures, robust quality assurance processes, and an innovative approach to menu development that supports healthy eating and a positive dining experience across all academies The daily combined average uptake is 2.8k meals. There are 63 staff where LGPS applies. To access the tender pack, please contact our procurement consultant Mr. Mike Newell at mnewell@procurementforschools.com Additional information: To access the tender pack, please contact our procurement consultant Mr. Mike Newell at mnewell@procurementforschools.com

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-6d6b8ac2-4764-4758-9f05-8d765245f699
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/36042604-9d91-4f20-a524-031e48dc188d
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure (above threshold)
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

15 - Food, beverages, tobacco and related products

CPV Codes

15894210 - School meals

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£8,000,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
11 Mar 20263 days ago
Submission Deadline
17 Apr 20262 months to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Jul 2026 - 31 Jul 2030 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
PROCUREMENT FOR SCHOOLS LTD
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
PLYMOUTH
Postcode
PL4 8QZ
Post Town
Plymouth
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK4 Devon
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK41 Plymouth
Delivery Location
TLK South West (England)
Local Authority
Plymouth
Electoral Ward
Sutton and Mount Gould
Westminster Constituency
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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