Tender

Invitation to Tender - Framework Agreement for the Management of the Catering Services at Cromwell Learning Community Academy Trust

CROMWELL LEARNING COMMUNITY ACADEMY TRUST

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

31 Oct 2025 at 09:28

Summary of the contracting process

The Cromwell Learning Community Academy Trust has initiated a tender process titled "Invitation to Tender - Framework Agreement for the Management of the Catering Services at Cromwell Learning Community Academy Trust." The tender falls under the category of school catering services and is located in Birmingham, United Kingdom (region UKG31). The contracting process currently in the Tender stage commenced with the issue of the invitation to tender on 31st October 2025. Important dates to note include site visits by bidding companies on 21st November 2025, a clarification return deadline on 7th January 2026, and the final deadline for tender responses on 12th January 2026. Following the presentations by shortlisted bidders on 4th March 2026, the contract is scheduled to be awarded by 13th March 2026, with commencement set for 1st September 2026. The procurement follows an open procedure and is part of a framework agreement with a contract value of GBP 1,151,349.96 and criteria weighting of 50% quality and 50% financial.

This tender offers significant business growth opportunities, particularly for SMEs specialising in catering services that are keen on collaborating with educational institutions. Ideal candidates are those capable of delivering modern and attractive catering solutions that align with the Trust's desire for a contemporary, customer-focused approach. Businesses equipped to manage robust catering operations with minimal supervision from the Trust, and with the ability to invest in marketing the catering service, will find this tender beneficial. The contract seeks partners willing to showcase culinary skills through exceptional food quality and customer service, thus attracting more students and staff usage. Furthermore, the contract allows for a potential extension, initially spanning three years with two additional optional one-year extensions, making it a lucrative and lasting engagement for the right provider.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Invitation to Tender - Framework Agreement for the Management of the Catering Services at Cromwell Learning Community Academy Trust

Notice Description

Tender Schedule: Issue of Invitation to Tender - 31st October 2025 Bidding Companies to Visit Sites - 21st November 2025 Clarification Deadline - 5th January 2026 Clarification Return Deadline - 7th January 2026 Deadline for return of Tender Responses - 12th January 2026 - 12:00pm Presentation by shortlisted bidders - 4th March 2026 Reference site visits - w/c 9th March 2026 Contract Awarded by - By 13th March 2025 Mobilisation Meeting - w/c 30th March 2026 Contract Commencement - 1st September 2026 The Cromwell Learning Community Academy Trust wish to be at the forefront of school catering and as such require a modern, branded offer that reflects the leading trends in the industry. At this time, the Trust's wish is to commence a catering contract, with a partner who shares their vision for a customer-focused service that attracts the maximum number of students. The meals that are to be provided must be appealing to customers, imaginative, provide good value for money and be nutritionally balanced to encourage all students to make an educated choice. The Trust's objectives for the new contract are as follows:- * A catering service that is well managed and requires minimal involvement from the Trust's management team. * A strong Contractor Area Manager who will develop and lead the team to deliver exceptional customer service, a consistently high quality food offer and spend a substantial amount of time on site at the outset to undertake this. * A Contractor who is proactive in their relationship management with the Trust. * Investment in the Trust's Catering service through increased marketing in return for a tenure of contract. * A higher number of students and staff using the facilities by providing a high quality, affordable and nutritious meal. * A catering service that encourages students to take a heathy and balanced meal. * Food and drinks that look appetising and are attractively presented. * A hospitality service that will help showcase the Trust through events to parents and visitors. * A Contractor that adopts a flexible and proactive approach to all Trust activities. * A service that is professionally merchandised and marketed with discretion and to the mutual benefit of the Trust and the Contractor. * A Contractor that operates using the optimum level of staffing. The schools involved in the process are: * Bordesley Village Primary School * Cromwell Junior and Infants School

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: 3 years initial contract and then 2 optional 1 year extension taking the contract to a maximum of 5 years.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05d794
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/069937-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

55 - Hotel, restaurant and retail trade services


CPV Codes

55524000 - School catering services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,151,349 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£1,151,349 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
31 Oct 20251 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
12 Jan 20263 months to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Aug 2026 - 31 Aug 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
CROMWELL LEARNING COMMUNITY ACADEMY TRUST
Additional Buyers

RED BOX CONSULTANCY SERVICES LIMITED

Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
admin@redboxcs.com, enquiry@cromwell.bham.sch.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
BIRMINGHAM
Postcode
B7 5BA
Post Town
Birmingham
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLE Yorkshire and The Humber
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLE2 North Yorkshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLE22 North Yorkshire
Delivery Location
TLG31 Birmingham

Local Authority
North Yorkshire
Electoral Ward
Stray, Woodlands & Hookstone
Westminster Constituency
Harrogate and Knaresborough

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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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