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Inclusive Schools Trust ~ Catering Tender

INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS TRUST

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

09 Jul 2026 at 13:39

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Inclusive Schools Trust is inviting tenders for catering services for its six primary schools located in Norwich, United Kingdom, under an open procurement method termed as a competitive flexible procedure. This active tender, titled "Inclusive Schools Trust ~ Catering Tender," falls under the industry category of School Catering Services (CPV: 55524000). Bidders must submit their proposals by 14th August 2026, with the contract award decision expected by 22nd September 2026. The contract, valued at £2,875,000, spans from 1st November 2026 to 31st October 2029, with the possibility of two one-year extensions subject to mutual agreement. The procurement aims to innovate catering services within the existing facilities, exploring modern food trends while ensuring value for money.

This tender represents a significant business growth opportunity for companies proficient in school catering services, particularly those emphasising local sourcing and educational support in healthy eating. Enterprises able to introduce novel and appealing food options, while managing pricing effectively within government funding constraints, stand to benefit. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are deemed suitable for this procurement, providing them a chance to secure a substantial contract in a competitive yet flexible bidding environment. The Trust is looking for a provider who can offer not just service delivery but also educational growth to align with the Trust's objectives.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Inclusive Schools Trust ~ Catering Tender

Notice Description

The successful Supplier will be required to provide catering services for Inclusive Schools Trust. The tender project is seeking to appoint a single Supplier whose initiative and innovation will be welcomed for the provision of catering service within the existing facilities for the 6 primary schools of the trust. The Trust would wish the successful Supplier to review the current range of services offered, as well as looking at the delivery of the current catering service and make recommendations accordingly. The contract being tendered is for three years in duration from 1st November 2026 to the 31st October 2029 with the option to extend for a further two years, the extensions with mutual agreement would only be for 1 year at a time and will operate as a guaranteed performance contract, with the successful Supplier offering the Trust a fixed ceiling price per annum for the provision of catering services. The Trust intends its' schools to be open for 190 days, to achieve the 39 weeks of the teaching curriculum. The contract offered covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the schools as well as hospitality and free issue requirements of the schools ad hoc. 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 documentation presents detailed specifications for each school against which bidders can present confident proposals. Free School Meals and hospitality will be charged based on evidenced consumption at a rate agreed yearly in line with government funding with associated sales and costs included within the pricing models. The successful Supplier will be expected to maximise the sourcing of fresh produce on a local basis, as well as provide support on educating the pupils in healthy eating and where food comes from. Whilst the Trust prioritises value for money as a key objective of the competitive tender process, the governing body is not obliged to accept the lowest price. The T/O value of the current contract is PS575k per annum. Please see PSQ Document for more information. For more information about this opportunity, please visit the eSourcing portal at: https://litmustms.co.uk/tenders/UK-UK-Norwich:-School-catering-services./4N6JMEKRY4 To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://litmustms.co.uk/respond/4N6JMEKRY4

Lot Information

Lot 1

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

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06c7a4
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/064769-2026
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
£2,875,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£2,875,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
9 Jul 20266 days ago
Submission Deadline
14 Aug 20265 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Nov 2026 - 31 Oct 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
INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS TRUST
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
NORWICH
Postcode
NR1 4AN
Post Town
Norwich
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH5 Norfolk
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH51 Norwich and East Norfolk
Delivery Location
TLH15 Norwich and East Norfolk
Local Authority
Norwich
Electoral Ward
Thorpe Hamlet
Westminster Constituency
Norwich South

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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