Tender

Dartford Grammar School For Boys ~ Catering Tender

DARTFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR BOYS

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

05 Dec 2025 at 12:05

Summary of the contracting process

The Dartford Grammar School For Boys, a prominent public authority in Dartford, has initiated an active tender process titled "Dartford Grammar School For Boys ~ Catering Tender," targeting the provision of comprehensive catering services. The contract, valued at £3,230,110, is aimed at enhancing existing facilities with innovative food concepts, during a school calendar of 195 days. This competitive tender follows an open Flexible Procurement Procedure method and is inclusive of electronic submissions. To ensure the attainment of high quality and value for money, the tender will conclude its enquiry period by 2nd January 2026, with submissions closing by 6th March 2026, followed by the awarding period ending on 4th May 2026. The contract duration spans from September 2026 to August 2029, with the possibility of renewal, offering opportunities for a significant period to contribute to the catering service needs of the school.

This tender offers considerable growth opportunities for businesses within the school catering services industry, particularly those adept at delivering diverse and innovative food solutions. The contract also emphasises quality over merely the lowest cost, presenting ample prospects for enterprises focused on delivering high-quality services. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) will find this tender particularly appealing due to its promising duration and renewal potential. Companies with expertise in adapting to varied dietary needs while operating within a Guaranteed Performance Contract framework are likely to thrive given the scope for creative input and review of current services. Interested parties are encouraged to carefully assess the project specifications and submit competitive bids to foster partnerships with the esteemed Dartford Grammar School For Boys.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Dartford Grammar School For Boys ~ Catering Tender

Notice Description

Dartford Grammar School was founded in 1576 and is one of the oldest schools in England. For nearly 450 years, Dartford Grammar School has enabled young people from Dartford and its surrounding area to achieve great things. Judged outstanding in every Ofsted inspection, and The Sunday Times State School of the Year in the South East (24/2025), Dartford Grammar School provides a broad, balanced international education, following the principles of the International Baccalaureate both in Key Stage 3 and the Sixth Form. The tender project is seeking to appoint a Contractor whose initiative and innovation will be welcomed for the provision of service within the existing facilities for the 1544 students on roll and 164 teaching and support staff, with a focus on exciting new food concepts to satisfy a wide range of pupil tastes and dietary requirements. The School would wish the successful contractor to review the current range of services offered and make recommendations accordingly. The contract being tendered is for three years in duration from 01/09/2026 to 31/08/2029 and will operate as a Guaranteed Performance Contract, with the successful Contractor offering the School a guaranteed return / cost per annum for the provision of catering services. Sovereignty of the cash tariff is to remain with Dartford Grammar School for the duration of this contract. The School year is based on a calendar of 195 days. Between Five to Seven days are to be used for staff professional development which means that School will be open to receive students for a minimum of 187/190 days. The contract offered covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the School, which currently includes morning break, lunch, all hospitality and free issue requirements. Free School meals and hospitality will be charged based on consumption and at net food cost. Whilst the School prioritises value for money as a key objective of the Competitive Tender Process, the Governing body is not obliged to accept the lowest price. Please see PSQ Document for more information For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at: https://litmustms.co.uk/tenders/UK-UK-Dartford:-School-catering-services./G2SGGWZ497 To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://litmustms.co.uk/respond/G2SGGWZ497

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: Please be advised that this contract will be let on a 3 + 2 years basis

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05ef90
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/080100-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible 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
£3,230,110 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£3,230,110 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Dec 20252 days ago
Submission Deadline
6 Mar 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
DARTFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR BOYS
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
DARTFORD
Postcode
DA1 2HW
Post Town
Dartford
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ4 Kent
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ43 Kent Thames Gateway
Delivery Location
TLJ4 Kent

Local Authority
Dartford
Electoral Ward
West Hill
Westminster Constituency
Dartford

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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