Tender

Oxlip Learning Partnership ~ Catering Tender

OXLIP LEARNING PARTNERSHIP

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

22 Jan 2026 at 12:05

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Oxlip Learning Partnership is currently in the tender stage of a procurement process for catering services across its network of schools in Suffolk, UK. The initiative, titled "Oxlip Learning Partnership ~ Catering Tender," falls under the industry category of school catering services. Key locations include Ipswich and the broader Suffolk region. Important deadlines for interested suppliers include an enquiry period ending on 20th February 2026, with tenders to be submitted by 24th April 2026. The contract is expected to commence on 1st September 2026 and extend through to 31st August 2029, with a potential for renewal up to 2031. The procurement method being utilised is an open, competitive flexible procedure, seeking a major provider to deliver innovative and health-focused catering solutions across five schools, with significant involvement expected from Copleston High School.

This tender presents a substantial opportunity for businesses specialising in school catering services and those capable of managing significant growth potential, as the current turnover is projected to nearly double if all participating schools are engaged. With a value worth up to £2.6 million, firms who are equipped with the capacity to introduce contemporary food trends akin to those seen in high-street retail settings will find this tender particularly advantageous. Moreover, businesses with experience in transitioning institutions from self-managed to outsourced catering structures could leverage their expertise, addressing the specific needs of schools like those in the Oxlip Learning Partnership. This contract is particularly suitable for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) aiming to expand their services within the educational sector.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Oxlip Learning Partnership ~ Catering Tender

Notice Description

The successful Supplier will be required to provide catering services for up to five schools (2 x Secondary and 3 x Primary) of the Oxlip Learning Partnership ( the trust). The Trust comprises two secondary academies (Copleston High School and Stowupland High School) and five primary academies of which 3 (Bacton Primary School, Cedars Park Primary School, Mendlesham Primary School) are potentially in scope for this project. At this present moment, the schools have differing approaches to catering service provision, Copleston High School is outsourced whereas the other four schools potentially in scope for this tender are currently self-delivering. Copleston High School is the key driver for this procurement exercise as it will be out of contract in Summer 2026 and needs to find an in-form, competent and confidant service provider capable of engaging its 1900 + pupils on a daily basis for its new contract term, whereas the self-delivered schools, if they participate will be curious as to a bidder's experience in taking schools to first time outsourcing and it's challenges and risks alongside the commercial opportunities that this could realise. The Trust is presenting this exciting opportunity to partner with a supplier who is able to deliver their vision of promoting health and wellbeing through food provision across the five schools. Current sales at Copleston are equivalent of PS520k pa. Current Turnover if all five schools become part of scope is expected to be just short of PS1m. It is thought that, with focus of resources and investment, there is significant growth potential through driving uptake in all of the self-operated schools. The client would like to see innovative delivery of emerging food trends that are seen on the high street and in retail outlets that pupils and their families frequent and therefore need to be reflected in the school dining rooms. The ITT will capture detailed specifications for each school against which bidders can present confident proposals. 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-Suffolk:-School-catering-services./8725VGB8FH To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://litmustms.co.uk/respond/8725VGB8FH

Lot Information

Lot 1

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

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-060c19
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/005709-2026
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
£2,600,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£2,600,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
22 Jan 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
24 Apr 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
OXLIP LEARNING PARTNERSHIP
Contact Name
Howard Allen
Contact Email
tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
Contact Phone
01276 673896

Buyer Location

Locality
SUFFOLK
Postcode
IP4 5HD
Post Town
Ipswich
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH6 Suffolk
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH62 Ipswich
Delivery Location
TLH14 Suffolk CC
Local Authority
Ipswich
Electoral Ward
St John's
Westminster Constituency
Ipswich

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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