This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

14 Jul 2026 at 15:21

Summary of the contracting process

The Nova Trust, based in Nottingham, is inviting tenders for catering services across its multi-academy trust, which serves various communities in the East Midlands. The tender process is actively underway, with a focus on acquiring a partner capable of delivering outstanding catering services across 18 academies. This opportunity falls within the school catering services category and requires a commitment to excellence and alignment with the Trust's values of honesty, integrity, humility, and professionalism. The scope of the contract extends from March 2027 to March 2030, with possible extensions. The tender follows an open procurement method, utilising a competitive flexible procedure, and key dates include the deadline for expressions of interest on 21st August 2026, site visits in late September 2026, and the final award by 11th December 2026.

This tender presents a significant growth opportunity for businesses involved in food services, particularly those with expertise in school catering. It is well-suited for businesses that can cater to varied educational settings while maintaining high standards in food quality, customer experience, and corporate social responsibility. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations (VCSEs) are encouraged to participate, as the contract prioritises innovation and relationship management alongside competitive pricing. Successful bidders will collaborate closely with the Trust to enhance the nutritional offerings within schools, contributing positively to the health and wellbeing of students. This contract could substantially elevate a business's profile in the educational sector by aligning services with the progressive values of Nova Trust.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Nova Education Trust Tender for Catering Services

Notice Description

Nova Education Trust is a multi-academy trust serving communities throughout the East Midlands. The trust is seeking to appoint a catering partner capable of delivering an exceptional service across all 18 academies. This opportunity represents one of the most significant service partnerships within Nova and requires a provider with the scale, expertise and commitment to operate consistently across a diverse portfolio of primary and secondary settings whilst remaining responsive to the unique needs of each school community. Nova Education Trust is looking for a contractor whose values align closely with those of the Trust: honesty, integrity, humility and professionalism. These principles are embedded throughout the organisation and must be evident in every aspect of service delivery, from leadership and governance through to daily interactions with pupils, colleagues and parents.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: Extensions allowed: Yes (2 x 12 months)

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06cb4a
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/066426-2026
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, VCSE
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
£10,983,213 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£10,983,213 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
14 Jul 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
21 Aug 20262 months to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
26 Mar 2027 - 25 Mar 2030 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NOVA 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
NOTTINGHAM
Postcode
NG7 2TU
Post Town
Nottingham
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLF East Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLF1 Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLF14 Nottingham
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Nottingham
Electoral Ward
Lenton & Wollaton East
Westminster Constituency
Nottingham South

Further Information

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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