Award

School Catering Services for South Farnham Educational Trust Primary Schools

SOUTH FARNHAM EDUCATIONAL TRUST

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

30 Mar 2026 at 11:27

TenderUpdate

26 Nov 2025 at 14:06

Tender

19 Nov 2025 at 13:21

Summary of the contracting process

The South Farnham Educational Trust, a public authority in the United Kingdom, has completed the procurement process to secure a contract for school catering services for its eight primary and nursery schools. The awarded contract is set to commence from 1st September 2026 and will run for a period of three years, with the possibility of extension for up to two additional years on a flexible basis. The procurement was conducted through a competitive flexible procedure under the 'Light Touch' regime, with a focus on sourcing a flexible and value-driven contractor. This tender was in the services industry category, focusing specifically on school catering services (CPV code: 55524000), with a significant contract value of £4,850,000. The award was officially granted to Edwards & Ward Limited, a supplier based in Crowborough, United Kingdom, following a careful evaluation process that concluded on 30th March 2026.

This procurement contract provides immense business growth opportunities, particularly for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) involved in the catering services sector. It offers a platform for catering companies to showcase their ability to deliver high-quality food and innovative services while engaging in sustainable practices. Businesses that can offer authentic recipes, focus on healthy eating, and bring value-added services such as food education and sustainability initiatives would be well-suited to compete for such contracts. The South Farnham Educational Trust seeks partners who can contribute to service excellence, providing further possibilities for winning contractors to build long-term relationships and gain recognitions which can elevate their stature in the public sector catering services domain.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

School Catering Services for South Farnham Educational Trust Primary Schools

Notice Description

Contract Award of procurement exercise to source a suitable catering provider for 8 primary and nursery schools within the South Farnham Educational Trust (SFET). 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 undertook 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.

Lot Information

Lot 1

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

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05e462
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/029042-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

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
£4,850,000 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
30 Mar 20263 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
16 Dec 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
29 Mar 20263 weeks ago
Contract Period
31 Aug 2026 - 31 Aug 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
SOUTH FARNHAM EDUCATIONAL TRUST
Additional Buyers

PANACHE CREATIVE LIMITED

Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

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

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

EDWARDS & WARD

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-05e462-2026-03-30T12:27:17+01:00",
    "date": "2026-03-30T12:27:17+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-05e462",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-07652902",
            "name": "SOUTH FARNHAM EDUCATIONAL TRUST",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "07652902"
            },
            "additionalIdentifiers": [
                {
                    "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                    "id": "PJBC-9167-GXRG"
                }
            ],
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "South Farnham School",
                "locality": "Farnham",
                "postalCode": "GU9 8DY",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKJ25"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Catering Procurement Team",
                "email": "finance@sfet.org.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-07723278",
            "name": "PANACHE CREATIVE LIMITED",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "07723278"
            },
            "additionalIdentifiers": [
                {
                    "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                    "id": "PJBH-9519-QWJG"
                }
            ],
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Midway House Herrick Way, Staverton Technology Park",
                "locality": "Cheltenham",
                "postalCode": "GL51 6TQ",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKK13"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "gailheath@panacheconsultancy.co.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "procuringEntity",
                "processContactPoint"
            ],
            "roleDetails": "Panache, catering services consultants, are assisting South Farnham Educational Trust with the facilitation of this tender exercise, as a supporting role only.",
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.panacheconsultancy.co.uk"
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-03714522",
            "name": "EDWARDS & WARD LIMITED",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "03714522"
            },
            "additionalIdentifiers": [
                {
                    "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                    "id": "PVXB-6621-NDBW"
                }
            ],
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "The Old Stables",
                "locality": "Crowborough",
                "postalCode": "TN6 1JP",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKJ22"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "nhambleton-jones@edwardsandward.co.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.edwardsandward.co.uk",
                "scale": "sme",
                "vcse": false,
                "publicServiceMissionOrganization": false,
                "shelteredWorkshop": false
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-COH-07652902",
        "name": "SOUTH FARNHAM EDUCATIONAL TRUST"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-05e462",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "School Catering Services for South Farnham Educational Trust Primary Schools",
        "description": "Contract Award of procurement exercise to source a suitable catering provider for 8 primary and nursery schools within the South Farnham Educational Trust (SFET). 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 undertook 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.",
        "status": "complete",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "55524000",
                        "description": "School catering services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ25",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ25",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 2964000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "selective",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Competitive flexible procedure",
        "procedure": {
            "features": "The procurement process follows a two stage 'Competitive Flexible' approach, beginning with a Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) stage followed by an Invitation to Tender (ITT) stage after shortlisting. This process is managed under the Light Touch Regime, and the Trust reserves the right to refine the award criteria throughout."
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "specialRegime": [
            "lightTouch"
        ],
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "coveredBy": [
            "GPA"
        ],
        "submissionMethodDetails": "Submission instructions are included in the PSQ; all completed PSQ submissions are to be sent to gail@panacheconsultancy.co.uk by the deadline stipulated. https://www.panacheconsultancy.co.uk",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "expressionOfInterestDeadline": "2025-12-16T12:00:00Z",
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-12-16T12:00:00Z"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-03-30T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "status": "complete",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 2964000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality/Technical",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 70,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 30,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality/Technical",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 70,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 30,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "secondStage": {
                    "minimumCandidates": 5
                },
                "selectionCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "description": "Scoring criteria listed in PSQ document.",
                            "forReduction": true
                        },
                        {
                            "description": "Scoring criteria listed in PSQ document.",
                            "forReduction": true
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-09-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2029-08-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2031-08-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "Up to 2 year extension, on a +1year, +1year basis."
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "L-1",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "description": "Interested parties are to complete a Procurement Specific Questionnaire, which can be accessed via the dropbox link provided. If you have any queries, please contact gail@panacheconsultancy.co.uk",
                "url": "https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/q6ioo1l6u2pb7bewezk3p/AHHn3QU5eqEv2WdXJmtoUng?rlkey=ovouwsksfpkjelvh1kik5mb96&st=166g8g84&dl=0"
            },
            {
                "id": "075222-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/075222-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-11-19T13:21:50Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "077289-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/077289-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-11-26T14:06:33Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en",
    "bids": {
        "statistics": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "measure": "bids",
                "value": 5,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "measure": "finalStageBids",
                "value": 5,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "measure": "smeFinalStageBids",
                "value": 2,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "measure": "vcseFinalStageBids",
                "value": 0,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ]
    },
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "title": "Award of South Farnham Educational Trust Catering Services Contract",
            "status": "pending",
            "date": "2026-03-30T00:00:00+01:00",
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 4850000,
                "amount": 4850000,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
            "aboveThreshold": true,
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-COH-03714522",
                    "name": "EDWARDS & WARD LIMITED"
                }
            ],
            "items": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "additionalClassifications": [
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "55524000",
                            "description": "School catering services"
                        }
                    ],
                    "deliveryAddresses": [
                        {
                            "region": "UKJ25",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        }
                    ],
                    "relatedLot": "1"
                }
            ],
            "standstillPeriod": {
                "endDate": "2026-04-10T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "contractPeriod": {
                "startDate": "2026-09-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                "endDate": "2029-08-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                "maxExtentDate": "2031-08-31T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "hasRenewal": true,
            "renewal": {
                "description": "Up to 2 year extension, on a +1year, +1year basis."
            },
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ],
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "029042-2026",
                    "documentType": "awardNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK6",
                    "description": "Contract award notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/029042-2026",
                    "datePublished": "2026-03-30T12:27:17+01:00",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ],
            "assessmentSummariesDateSent": "2026-03-30T00:00:00+01:00",
            "milestones": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "type": "futureSignatureDate",
                    "dueDate": "2026-05-29T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "status": "scheduled"
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}