Tender

Discovery MAT ~ Catering Tender

DISCOVERY MAT ~ CATERING TENDER

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

13 Mar 2026 at 10:37

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Discovery Multi Academy Trust (MAT) in Plymouth is seeking bids for a catering services contract, titled "Discovery MAT ~ Catering Tender". It covers three Primary Schools: Beechwood, Oakwood, and Weston Mill Community, all located in Plymouth, UK. This tender falls under the industry category of School Catering Services and will follow an open procedure. Key dates include the tender period ending on 24 April 2026, and the award expected by 8 June 2026. The contract is valued at £690,000 and will commence on 1 August 2026 for an initial three-year term, with the possibility of two additional 12-month extensions. Interested parties should focus on providing wholesome, local produce-based catering services, while also accommodating TUPE requirements and potential pension scheme contributions.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses with a strong operational base in the South West, particularly those experienced in school catering services. The contract requires flexibility and capacity to manage catering needs across multiple schools, making it ideal for companies accustomed to handling diverse requirements and locations. The tender emphasises quality and price, with award criteria focusing 70% on quality and 30% on price. SMEs are encouraged to apply, offering the potential for local suppliers of fresh produce to enhance their clientele. The contract’s guaranteed performance basis with profit-sharing on better fiscal outcomes provides added incentives for businesses aiming for growth through efficiency and quality service.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Discovery MAT ~ Catering Tender

Notice Description

The successful contractor will be required to provide catering services for the following three Primary Schools within Discovery Multi Academy Trust (MAT): 1. Beechwood Primary Academy, 31 Rockfield Avenue, Plymouth, PL6 6DX 2. Oakwood Primary Academy, Pendeen Crescent, Southway, Plymouth, PL6 6QS 3. Weston Mill Community Primary Academy, Ferndale Road, Plymouth, PL2 2EL Trust website: https://discoverymat.co.uk/ The contract covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the Schools, which is inclusive of all hospitality and free issue requirements. The duration of the contract being offered is for an initial three-year period commencing on 01 August 2026, with the potential to then extend for a further two 12-month periods. This extension will be granted by mutual consent and on the same terms and conditions as the original contract without the right to further extend beyond the full five years. The contract being offered within this tender will be on a guaranteed performance basis, with an expected profit share of any betterment to the agreed budget. While the Trust will be the principal contracting authority, each School will have its own individual budget for performance analysis and reconciliation. The Trust is seeking a suitably experienced contractor who is able to evidence working with multiple Primary Schools with varying requirements. The successful contractor will already have, or need to develop, a strong operational base within the South West, thus allowing for both adequate contract support and operational flexibility that is to be delivered to support the contract as and when needed moving forwards into this contract term. The services across the Schools are currently outsourced, and TUPE is expected to apply. It is anticipated that a number of the current employees are members of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and, in this instance, the successful contractor will be expected to gain Admitted Body Status (ABS) in order to continue contributing to the scheme. The Trust wishes to offer wholesome, healthy eating options within the menus which should be based upon the use of fresh, local produce that is abundant throughout the South West to support the local economy. Please see PSQ document for more information.

Lot Information

Lot 1

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

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-066970
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/022788-2026
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
£690,000 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
£690,000 £500K-£1M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
13 Mar 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
24 Apr 20262 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
DISCOVERY MAT ~ CATERING TENDER
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
PLYMOUTH
Postcode
PL6 6DX
Post Town
Plymouth
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK4 Devon
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK41 Plymouth
Delivery Location
TLK41 Plymouth
Local Authority
Plymouth
Electoral Ward
Southway
Westminster Constituency
Plymouth Moor View

Further Information

Notice Documents

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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