Tender

Provision of Outsourced Catering Service

ST CHRISTOPHER'S MULTI ACADEMY TRUST

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

03 Feb 2026 at 08:51

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process initiated by St Christopher's Multi Academy Trust, a public authority and central government entity, invites tenders for the provision of an Outsourced Catering Service. This procurement falls under the services category, specifically school catering services, and it adheres to an open procedure. Located in Exeter, United Kingdom, the tender is currently in the Tender stage. Key dates include the submission deadline on 30th March 2026, with the enquiry period closing on 29th March 2026. The contract, valued at £2,400,000 gross, is set to commence on 1st September 2026, running through to 31st August 2029, with the possibility of renewal for two additional one-year terms.

This tender presents substantial opportunities for businesses specializing in catering services, particularly those capable of providing innovative, sustainable, and high-quality meal solutions in educational settings. Ideal candidates will demonstrate robust contract and account management skills, especially in managing large-scale operations and compliance with School Food Standards. The procurement encourages participation from SMEs, making it well-suited for agile businesses that can align with the Trust's values and ethos. The tender demands a comprehensive approach to allergy management and dietary requirements and encourages the adoption of environmentally and socially sustainable practices, thus offering growth potential for businesses committed to these areas.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Provision of Outsourced Catering Service

Notice Description

This tender opportunity has been issued by St Christopher's Multi Academy Trust ("the Trust") and Tenderers are invited to tender for the provision of an Outsourced Catering Service (the Service"). The Contractor shall: a. work in partnership with the Trust, offering a service that is aligned to the vision, values and ethos of the Trust. b. operate a standard approach across schools, delivering an exemplary quality of service with a continuous drive in relation to uptake and participation, which ensures UIFSM and FSM reaches and stays >95%, offering innovative solutions and ideas. c. have appropriate processes and procedures in place for individuals with food allergens, medical and dietary requirements, religious cultural and SEND dietary requirements d. demonstrate a centralised contract management approach, including a robust complaints management policy that offers transparency and visibility of management information, KPI and financial performance. e. operate the contract in line with School Food Standards, British, International and EU standards & legislation, working with the Trust in compiling a nutritious and healthy menu offer. f. promote environmental and social sustainability in all aspects of the school meals provision. g. provide signage and marketing for the service. h. implement a robust mobilisation plan for the contract that will demonstrate partnership working, is seamless and demonstrates due regard for risk with appropriate mitigation measures, including the responsibility for TUPE of existing staff.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0614e0
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/009240-2026
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
Open 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
£2,000,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£2,000,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
3 Feb 20266 days ago
Submission Deadline
30 Mar 20262 months to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
2031-01-06

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ST CHRISTOPHER'S MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
Additional Buyers

PHP LAW LLP

Contact Name
James Medforth, Julia Croughton
Contact Email
james.medforth@phplaw.co.uk, julia.croughton@stcmat.org
Contact Phone
+44 01234567890

Buyer Location

Locality
TOTNES
Postcode
TQ9 5RW
Post Town
Torquay
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK4 Devon
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK43 Devon CC
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Exeter
Electoral Ward
Newtown and St Leonard's
Westminster Constituency
Exeter

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-0614e0-2026-02-03T08:51:46Z",
    "date": "2026-02-03T08:51:46Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-0614e0",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PPRM-9434-VNYQ",
            "name": "PHP Law LLP",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PPRM-9434-VNYQ"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Unit 3 The Brutus Centre Station Road Totnes",
                "locality": "Totnes",
                "postalCode": "TQ9 5RW",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKK43"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "James Medforth",
                "email": "james.medforth@phplaw.co.uk",
                "telephone": "+44 01234567890"
            },
            "roles": [
                "procuringEntity",
                "processContactPoint"
            ],
            "roleDetails": "Tender Process Support"
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PVZV-9156-DNTY",
            "name": "St Christopher's Multi Academy Trust",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PVZV-9156-DNTY"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "St Leonards Road",
                "locality": "Exeter",
                "postalCode": "EX2 4NQ",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKK43"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Julia Croughton",
                "email": "julia.croughton@stcmat.org"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PVZV-9156-DNTY",
        "name": "St Christopher's Multi Academy Trust"
    },
    "planning": {
        "noEngagementNoticeRationale": "The justification is that the requirements are not complex, or niche and the Contracting Authority already has an understanding of what they want the service to deliver and the market is known."
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "STC01.40",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Provision of Outsourced Catering Service",
        "description": "This tender opportunity has been issued by St Christopher's Multi Academy Trust (\"the Trust\") and Tenderers are invited to tender for the provision of an Outsourced Catering Service (the Service\"). The Contractor shall: a. work in partnership with the Trust, offering a service that is aligned to the vision, values and ethos of the Trust. b. operate a standard approach across schools, delivering an exemplary quality of service with a continuous drive in relation to uptake and participation, which ensures UIFSM and FSM reaches and stays >95%, offering innovative solutions and ideas. c. have appropriate processes and procedures in place for individuals with food allergens, medical and dietary requirements, religious cultural and SEND dietary requirements d. demonstrate a centralised contract management approach, including a robust complaints management policy that offers transparency and visibility of management information, KPI and financial performance. e. operate the contract in line with School Food Standards, British, International and EU standards & legislation, working with the Trust in compiling a nutritious and healthy menu offer. f. promote environmental and social sustainability in all aspects of the school meals provision. g. provide signage and marketing for the service. h. implement a robust mobilisation plan for the contract that will demonstrate partnership working, is seamless and demonstrates due regard for risk with appropriate mitigation measures, including the responsibility for TUPE of existing staff.",
        "status": "active",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "LOT-0000",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "55524000",
                        "description": "School catering services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "IE053",
                        "country": "IE",
                        "countryName": "Ireland"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "LOT-0000"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 2400000,
            "amount": 2000000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "coveredBy": [
            "GPA"
        ],
        "submissionMethodDetails": "https://uk.eu-supply.com/app/rfq/rwlentrance_s.asp?PID=102112&TID100107334&B=",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-03-30T11:00:00+00:00"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-03-29T23:00:00+00:00"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-05-26T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "LOT-0000",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 2400000,
                    "amount": 2000000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Proposed Service Model",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 12.5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Service Model Case Study",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Menu Planning & Development",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 10,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Food Offering",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 7.5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Allergy Management",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 7.5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Contractor Staff",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Account Management",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 2.5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Contract Management",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Contract Mobilisation & Risk Management",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 2.5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Sustainability",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 2.5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Guaranteed Position Approach Assessment",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 20,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "cost",
                            "name": "Guaranteed Position Assessment",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 20,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "selectionCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "economic",
                            "description": "A financial appraisal will be based upon a credit check. Insurances a. Employer's (Compulsory) Liability Insurance* = [PS10m] b. Public Liability Insurance = [PS10m] c. Professional Indemnity Insurance = [PS1m] d. Product Liability Insurance = [PS1m]"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "technical",
                            "description": "Provide 3 relevant previous contract examples To constitute a pass, the contract examples provided shall be relevant to the requirement, with a sufficient level of detail that provides confidence in the Tenderer's established past experience in similar and relevant projects/contracts. The contracts must be within the education sector and similar complexity and working on more than one site within the contract."
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-09-01T00:00:00Z",
                    "endDate": "2029-08-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2031-08-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "2 further one year extensions"
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "009240-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/009240-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-02-03T08:51:46Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ],
        "hasRecurrence": true,
        "recurrence": {
            "dates": [
                {
                    "startDate": "2031-01-06T23:59:59Z"
                }
            ]
        },
        "contractTerms": {
            "financialTerms": "The Contractor shall operate the service efficiently and provide a commercial solution that offers best value to the Trust, proactively assessing where efficiencies can be made and discussing these and their cost benefits with the Trust. The Contractor shall submit invoices and associated documentation by email to the Trust finance team. Invoicing will be monthly, in arrears from the end of the previous month based on number of meals taken, agreed with the kitchen and school office on a daily basis. Where, during a monthly period, it has been identified, and agreed, that adjustments are required (in respect of service credits, additional works, errors or omissions), these will be taken account of within the invoice for the following month."
        },
        "riskDetails": "Financial Inflation and Rising Costs: Food price inflation, energy bills, and wage increases. Caterers locked into long-term contracts may struggle to remain profitable, risking service quality or contract withdrawal. Staffing Challenges Recruitment Difficulties: Shortages of skilled catering staff, especially in rural or low-income areas. Difficulty attracting and retaining staff due to limited pay and benefits. Training Gaps: Inadequate training in food safety, allergens, and safeguarding can lead to compliance issues. Reputational and Compliance Risks Non-compliance with School Food Standards can result in reputational damage and regulatory scrutiny. Non-compliance with the tender specification or compliance requirement"
    },
    "language": "en"
}