Tender

The Palmer Catholic Academy ~ Catering Tender

THE PALMER CATHOLIC ACADEMY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

05 Dec 2025 at 19:05

Summary of the contracting process

The Palmer Catholic Academy, located in Seven Kings, Ilford, Essex, is seeking a partner for its catering services through a competitive tendering process. The Academy, a public authority within the sub-central government, aims to enhance the dining experience for its approximately 1,100 students and 140 staff members. The procurement process, currently at the tender stage, offers businesses a chance to submit their proposals by 20th March 2026, post the end of the enquiry period on 16th January 2026. The contract, valued at £1,500,000, will commence in August 2026 for a three-year period, with the potential for extensions. This initiative falls under the necessity for school catering services and will focus on innovative food trends mirroring those found on the high street and in supermarkets.

IDeally suited to businesses specialising in school catering services, this opportunity invites SMEs that demonstrate capabilities in delivering nutritionally balanced and appealing menus. The contract promises a collaborative working environment, prioritising transparency and flexibility, and requires the service provider to enhance existing offerings and contribute positively to student well-being. Service integration within the school community and active involvement with curricular activities further bolster business growth potential. Suppliers with expertise in modern catering solutions and personnel management would find this tender advantageous, offering a chance to influence and innovate within a vibrant educational setting.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

The Palmer Catholic Academy ~ Catering Tender

Notice Description

The Palmer Catholic Academy ( TPCA) is an 11-18 Catholic secondary school located in Seven Kings, Ilford in the Diocese of Brentwood. 'The Palmer Catholic Academy is a voluntary aided co-educational Academy for students aged 11 to 18. Founded in 1961 by Canon Patrick Palmer in 1961 as Canon Palmer Catholic School with the aim of serving the Catholic community in Ilford, the academy has grown in numbers and stature. In 1961 the school educated 300 students as opposed to 1,100 today. The academy has undergone many changes over the years, but at the heart, all we do has remained the same. We are a modern academy with traditional values.' The school is presenting an exciting opportunity to partner with a specialist Supplier who is able to deliver their vision of promoting the health and wellbeing of their circa 1100pupils and 140 staff through the catering provision. Current catering sales revenue is in excess of PS300k per annum, over three services - breakfast, morning break and lunchtime. Currently there are 5 service points, all replicating the same service offer where possible - with some segregation of year groups. At lunchtime main meals vary daily but will include hot entrees with appropriate accompaniments, vegetarian alternatives, jackets & fillings and a selection of hot and cold sandwiches. Each entree is bundled with Drink and dessert to make up the meal deal. A Halal alternative is always available. The Client would like to see innovative delivery of emerging food trends that are seen on the high-street and in supermarkets that pupils frequent and therefore need to be reflected in the school dining environment. There is a need to maximise sales and uptake to contribute against overheads - this can be achieved by offering a dynamic and bespoke food offering at the two main food services The key areas of focus for the successful service provider will include; Fresh and innovative menus that are nutritionally balanced and appealing with regular healthy alternatives; The best use of fresh produce and prime cooking; Efficient and consistent speed of service with great student and staff interaction; Catering staff integration with the School community and support with Curriculum activities. Identifying and potential funding of appropriate additions to the existing offer through focused investment Enhancement of the current skill level of the team and more investment in on-site leadership The Client expects the successful Supplier to evidence, through their bid, how they will deliver consistently in these focus areas through the contract term. The existing team have resilience and consistency in day to day production, indeed with the prime cooking equipment currently available, they are being very productive, but in order to produce the innovative and dynamic food offer required they will need to be supported by an engaged operational team that can demonstrate and upskill menu content to provide services that meet expectation. Aside from the food, the front of house environment in which the pupils engage with the catering offer is adequate but lacks some definition and merchandising, so the bidders will need to consider what the requirements are to drive the whole pupil experience in the dining hall and other service areas. With a contract start date of Summer 2026, the Supplier will need to consider how they will manage the mobilisation and launch the service in what should be a good length of mobilisation/ remobilisation period. The Client is seeking a catering service partner that has the ability and appetite to work flexibly and with complete transparency to deliver an exceptional standard of service and take on the development of a loyal and dedicated team. The contract will be for an initial three year-term, with likely potential for further extensions of 1+1 years. The catering tender presents an exciting time for the School and the Client group is looking forward to developing a successful partnership with a service provider demonstrating the right cultural fit as well as hunger and appetite for continuous improvement. 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-Essex:-School-catering-services./N297664866 To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://litmustms.co.uk/respond/N297664866

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: 1+1 Please see PSQ Document for more information.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05f03f
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/080384-2025
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
£1,500,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£1,500,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Dec 20252 days ago
Submission Deadline
20 Mar 20264 months to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Jul 2026 - 31 Jul 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
THE PALMER CATHOLIC ACADEMY
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
Contact Phone
01276 673896

Buyer Location

Locality
ESSEX
Postcode
IG3 8EU
Post Town
Ilford
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI5 Outer London - East and North East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI53 Redbridge and Waltham Forest
Delivery Location
TLH3 Essex

Local Authority
Redbridge
Electoral Ward
Newbury
Westminster Constituency
Ilford South

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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