---
title: "Alban Academies Trust ~ Catering Tender"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-042184"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-042184"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-042184.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-042184.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "RIDGEWAY ACADEMY"
published: "2024-07-05"
---

# Alban Academies Trust ~ Catering Tender

Buyer: RIDGEWAY ACADEMY  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-042184

[View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-042184)  
[Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-042184.json)

## Summary

The Alban Academies Trust is inviting tenders for a catering contract across several schools in Hertfordshire. The contract is for three years, with the option to extend, and operates under a Guaranteed Performance Contract model. The Trust seeks innovative catering solutions, focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and promoting healthy food choices. The contract includes various meal services, and the Trust values quality over the lowest price. The procurement method is selective, and the current stage is active, with a deadline for tender submissions set for January 5, 2024.

This catering tender offers business growth opportunities for contractors specialising in school catering services. Companies with experience in providing innovative, high-quality catering solutions, particularly in the education sector, would be well-suited to compete. The contract includes multiple schools within Hertfordshire, providing a substantial market for potential growth and revenue. The buying organisation, Ridgeway Academy, has set clear criteria and values quality and innovation, making it an attractive opportunity for businesses focused on delivering exceptional catering services.

## Notice

The tender project is seeking to appoint a Contractor whose initiative and innovation will be welcomed for the provision of service within the existing facilities of all schools, with a focus on exciting new food concepts to satisfy a wide range of pupil tastes and dietary requirements. The Schools would wish the successful contractor to review the current range of services offered and make recommendations accordingly.

### Lot Information

Lot 1

The contract being tendered is for three years in duration from 1st August 2024 to 31st July 2027 with the option to extend for up to a further 2 years at the discretion of the client. This is with the exception of Sandringham School where the contract will start from 1st August 2025 for a duration of two years with the option to extend for up to a further 2 years at the discretion of the client. This contract will operate as a Guaranteed Performance Contract, with the successful Contractor offering the School a guaranteed return / cost per annum for the provision of catering services. Sovereignty of the cash tariff is to remain with the Trust for the duration of this contract. The School year at all schools is based on a calendar of 195 days. Five days are to be used for staff professional development which means that School will be open to receive students for the legal minimum of 190 days. Verulam School has additional days where they have no lunch service: Abbey Service (Autumn Term), Open Evening (Autumn Term) & Verulympics (Summer Term). The contract offered covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the School, which currently includes morning break, lunch, all hospitality and free issue requirements. Free School meals are to be charged with a margin attached and hospitality will be charged based on consumption and at net food cost. Whilst the Trust prioritises value for money as a key objective of the Competitive Tender Process, it is not obliged to accept the lowest price. The Trust expects the successful contractor to enable the continued development of catering through the provision of an innovative, healthy food service, with fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients being prepared on-site. The Trust expects the successful tenderer to evidence, through their bid, how they shall support and complement its values and support the principles of Every Child Matters. The Trust believes that success should be celebrated and that pupils should enjoy their time at school; if lessons are stimulating and challenging then students will love learning. Additional information: This is a Contract Award Notice. This contract has already been awarded.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/020572-2024 |
| Notice type | Tender Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Selective |
| Procurement method details | Restricted procedure |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | SME |
| All stages | Tender, Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 5 Jul 2024 |
| Submission deadline | 5 Jan 2024 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 18 Jun 2024 |
| Contract period | 31 Jul 2024 - 31 Jul 2029 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £8,050,000 |
| Lots value | £8,050,000 |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | £9,101,041 |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Cancelled |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Active |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | RIDGEWAY ACADEMY |
| Additional buyers | GARDEN FIELDS JMI SCHOOL; SANDRINGHAM SCHOOL; SKYSWOOD PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOL; VERULAM SCHOOL; WHEATFIELDS INFANTS AND NURSERY SCHOOL; WHEATFIELDS JUNIOR SCHOOL |
| Locality | HERTFORDSHIRE |
| Post town | St Albans |
| Postcode | AL7 2AF |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLH East (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLH2 Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire |
| ITL 3 | TLH27 South West Hertfordshire |
| Local authority | St Albans |
| Electoral ward | Marshalswick East & Jersey Farm |
| Westminster constituency | St Albans |
| Delivery location | TLH23 Hertfordshire CC |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | CULINERA |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 55 - Hotel, restaurant and retail trade services

### Codes

- 55524000 - School catering services

## Release History

- 5 Jul 2024 at 11:05 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/020572-2024
- 4 Dec 2023 at 16:05 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/035686-2023

## Notice URLs

- https://albanacademiestrust.org.uk/
- https://gardenfields.herts.sch.uk/contact/
- https://litmustms.co.uk/delta/viewNotice.html?noticeId=873406193
- https://litmustms.co.uk/respond/WM5E79C28P
- https://sandringham.herts.sch.uk/
- https://verulamschool.co.uk/
- https://wheatfieldsjm.herts.sch.uk/
- https://www.skyswood.herts.sch.uk/
- https://www.wheatfieldsinfants.herts.sch.uk/

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-042184. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-042184.json.