Tender

School Catering Services for South Farnham Educational Trust Primary Schools

SOUTH FARNHAM EDUCATIONAL TRUST

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

26 Nov 2025 at 14:06

Tender

19 Nov 2025 at 13:21

Summary of the contracting process

The South Farnham Educational Trust is seeking a new catering services provider for eight of its primary and nursery schools located in Farnham, United Kingdom. The trust has initiated a procurement process to find a flexible and best-value contractor capable of delivering exceptional catering services, with an emphasis on healthy eating and sustainability. This competitive tender, facilitated by Panache Creative Limited, follows a two-stage 'Competitive Flexible' procurement method under the Light Touch Regime. The process, which is currently in the tender stage, requires submissions by 16th December 2025, with the contract set to commence on 1st September 2026 for an initial term of three years, plus an optional two-year extension.

This opportunity presents significant growth potential for catering services providers, particularly those with a strong track record in innovation and delivering high-quality, health-focused dining experiences. The contract, valued at approximately £2,964,000, is ideal for businesses capable of operating within the educational sector and those interested in partnerships promoting food education and service excellence. Companies with experience in addressing diverse dietary needs and sustainability initiatives will find themselves well-suited to compete in this tender, potentially establishing long-term relationships within a leading educational trust environment.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

School Catering Services for South Farnham Educational Trust Primary Schools

Notice Description

This procurement exercise is to source a suitable catering provider for 8 primary and nursery schools within the South Farnham Educational Trust (SFET). SFET was established as a Multi-Academy Trust in 2015, having been a converter Academy since 2011. At present the Trust consists of 11 schools (10 full members and one associate member), a Teaching School Hub and a thriving SCITT. The Trust's vision and purpose is to create a group of schools that have a shared commitment to ensuring the highest possible outcomes for their children. The Trust have been cited as being amongst the best in the South-East region and in the top 0.7% nationally in The Sunday Times School Guides for 2024 and 2025. Eight of the Trust's schools are seeking a new catering services contract from 1st September 2026, for a contract term of 3 years (plus possible 2 year extension on a +1year, +1year basis). SFET is undertaking this tender exercise to source a flexible and best value catering contractor with whom they can partner with to achieve service excellence through the provision of a great tasting food, made with authentic recipes and ingredients. Healthy eating, service innovation and added value through food education and sustainability initiatives are equally as important. The schools are as follows: 1. South Farnham Junior School 2. South Farnham Infants School 3. Wallace Fields Infant School 4. The Raleigh School 5. Busbridge Infants School 6. Great Bookham School (primary) 7. Highfield South Farnham School (primary) 8. Normandy Village School

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: Up to 2 year extension, on a +1year, +1year basis.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05e462
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/077289-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
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
£2,964,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£2,964,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
26 Nov 20251 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
16 Dec 20252 weeks 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
SOUTH FARNHAM EDUCATIONAL TRUST
Additional Buyers

PANACHE CREATIVE LIMITED

Contact Name
Catering Procurement Team
Contact Email
gailheath@panacheconsultancy.co.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
FARNHAM
Postcode
GU9 8DY
Post Town
Guildford
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK73 Gloucestershire CC
Delivery Location
TLJ25 West Surrey

Local Authority
Tewkesbury
Electoral Ward
Badgeworth
Westminster Constituency
North Cotswolds

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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