---
title: "Wolverhampton Cluster ~ Catering Tender"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-04dd62"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-04dd62"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-04dd62.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-04dd62.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Tender"
buyer: "WOLVERHAMPTON CLUSTER ~ CATERING TENDER"
published: "2025-02-11"
---

# Wolverhampton Cluster ~ Catering Tender

Buyer: WOLVERHAMPTON CLUSTER ~ CATERING TENDER  
Current stage: Tender  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-04dd62

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## Summary

The Wolverhampton Cluster is inviting tenders for the provision of catering services across various primary schools within Wolverhampton. The contract, listed under the CPV classification 55524000 for school catering services, falls under the services category. The tender involves a substantial value contract set at £31,012,570, covering an initial three-year period starting from 1st September 2025, with an option for two additional 12-month extensions. The final date for submission of tenders is 14th March 2025. This opportunity is being facilitated through a selective procurement method, specifically a restricted procedure. The tender stage initiation starts on 7th April 2025, and delivery is within the UKG39 region (West Midlands, Wolverhampton).

This tender presents significant potential for business growth, particularly for SMEs and experienced education catering contractors with a presence in the West Midlands. Winning this contract offers an opportunity to build long-term relationships with multiple schools and secure a steady revenue stream over the contract’s duration. The contract emphasizes the provision of healthy, balanced menus, engagement with parents, financial transparency, and maintaining high standards of food quality and innovation. Suitable contenders would be those with a strong operational base, experience in primary school catering, and the ability to manage a large-scale service efficiently, including staffing and adherence to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) requirements. The performance-based nature of the contract, with a guaranteed profit share from betterment against the agreed budget, highlights the potential for financial growth and sustainability.

## Notice

The successful Supplier will be required to provide catering services for the following Schools within the Wolverhampton Cluster.

### Lot Information

Lot 1

The contract covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the Schools, which also includes all hospitality and free issue requirements. The duration of the contract being offered is for an initial three-year period commencing on 01 September 2025, with the potential to 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. The Cluster are seeking a suitably experienced, education catering contractor who is able to evidence working within Primary Schools of varying needs with the West Midlands. The successful contractor will already have or need to develop a strong operational base within the vicinity, 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 contractual 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 Cluster wishes to achieve as a result of this tender process: 1.The provision of a healthy, balanced menu that meets nutritional guidelines and is enjoyed by all users of the service. This menu should be inclusive of those with special dietary requirements. 2.An innovative and flexible menu that is in keeping with current food trends. Offering frequent themed menus and initiatives that support the curriculum and various school led activities, ensuring the food offer remains varied and enticing to its customers. 3.Frequent parental engagement through the use of newsletters, websites, social media platforms (where applicable) and, most importantly, through direct involvement at parents' evenings and open evenings. 4.Financial certainty and an understanding of the ongoing trading performance through the proactive provision of monthly trading data to support invoice charges, promoting an open book policy. It is expected that experienced and insightful contract management will promote good levels of communication and engagement across the Schools. A suitable marketing campaign to the students, staff and parents alike is imperative to promote the uptake of meals. This enhanced service should be supported by a well-trained catering team at the school, with a focus by the successful contractor on both craft training and customer service. There needs to be total transparency with accounts that are clear and easy to understand. The monthly invoice should be supported by a breakdown of the contract's financial performance against budget. The contract offered will be on a guaranteed performance basis, with a proposed profit share of any betterment to that budget. To achieve overall value for money is an objective of this tender. However, please note that the Cluster is not obliged to accept the lowest price and the contract award will be in line with the marking matrix published within the tender specification where an overall focus will be given to food quality and innovation of the catering offer, as well the management support. At the end of this tender process, the Cluster will have the option to award their individual Lots, either full or in part, to the successful supplier(s). See SQ Document for more information. Additional information: To respond to this opportunity please click here: https://litmustms.co.uk/respond/3XZ97JVWG8

Lot 2

The contract covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the Schools, which also includes all hospitality and free issue requirements. The duration of the contract being offered is for an initial three-year period commencing on 01 September 2025, with the potential to 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. The Cluster are seeking a suitably experienced, education catering contractor who is able to evidence working within Primary Schools of varying needs with the West Midlands. The successful contractor will already have or need to develop a strong operational base within the vicinity, 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 contractual 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 Cluster wishes to achieve as a result of this tender process: 1.The provision of a healthy, balanced menu that meets nutritional guidelines and is enjoyed by all users of the service. This menu should be inclusive of those with special dietary requirements. 2.An innovative and flexible menu that is in keeping with current food trends. Offering frequent themed menus and initiatives that support the curriculum and various school led activities, ensuring the food offer remains varied and enticing to its customers. 3.Frequent parental engagement through the use of newsletters, websites, social media platforms (where applicable) and, most importantly, through direct involvement at parents' evenings and open evenings. 4.Financial certainty and an understanding of the ongoing trading performance through the proactive provision of monthly trading data to support invoice charges, promoting an open book policy. It is expected that experienced and insightful contract management will promote good levels of communication and engagement across the Schools. A suitable marketing campaign to the students, staff and parents alike is imperative to promote the uptake of meals. This enhanced service should be supported by a well-trained catering team at the school, with a focus by the successful contractor on both craft training and customer service. There needs to be total transparency with accounts that are clear and easy to understand. The monthly invoice should be supported by a breakdown of the contract's financial performance against budget. The contract offered will be on a guaranteed performance basis, with a proposed profit share of any betterment to that budget. To achieve overall value for money is an objective of this tender. However, please note that the Cluster is not obliged to accept the lowest price and the contract award will be in line with the marking matrix published within the tender specification where an overall focus will be given to food quality and innovation of the catering offer, as well the management support. At the end of this tender process, the Cluster will have the option to award their individual Lots, either full or in part, to the successful supplier(s). See SQ document for more information

Lot 3

The contract covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the Schools, which also includes all hospitality and free issue requirements. The duration of the contract being offered is for an initial three-year period commencing on 01 September 2025, with the potential to 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. The Cluster are seeking a suitably experienced, education catering contractor who is able to evidence working within Primary Schools of varying needs with the West Midlands. The successful contractor will already have or need to develop a strong operational base within the vicinity, 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 contractual 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 Cluster wishes to achieve as a result of this tender process: 1.The provision of a healthy, balanced menu that meets nutritional guidelines and is enjoyed by all users of the service. This menu should be inclusive of those with special dietary requirements. 2.An innovative and flexible menu that is in keeping with current food trends. Offering frequent themed menus and initiatives that support the curriculum and various school led activities, ensuring the food offer remains varied and enticing to its customers. 3.Frequent parental engagement through the use of newsletters, websites, social media platforms (where applicable) and, most importantly, through direct involvement at parents' evenings and open evenings. 4.Financial certainty and an understanding of the ongoing trading performance through the proactive provision of monthly trading data to support invoice charges, promoting an open book policy. It is expected that experienced and insightful contract management will promote good levels of communication and engagement across the Schools. A suitable marketing campaign to the students, staff and parents alike is imperative to promote the uptake of meals. This enhanced service should be supported by a well-trained catering team at the school, with a focus by the successful contractor on both craft training and customer service. There needs to be total transparency with accounts that are clear and easy to understand. The monthly invoice should be supported by a breakdown of the contract's financial performance against budget. The contract offered will be on a guaranteed performance basis, with a proposed profit share of any betterment to that budget. To achieve overall value for money is an objective of this tender. However, please note that the Cluster is not obliged to accept the lowest price and the contract award will be in line with the marking matrix published within the tender specification where an overall focus will be given to food quality and innovation of the catering offer, as well the management support. At the end of this tender process, the Cluster will have the option to award their individual Lots, either full or in part, to the successful supplier(s). See SQ Document for more information

Lot 4

The Cluster are seeking a suitably experienced, education catering contractor who is able to evidence working within Primary Schools of varying needs with the West Midlands. The successful contractor will already have or need to develop a strong operational base within the vicinity, 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 contractual 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 Cluster wishes to achieve as a result of this tender process: 1.The provision of a healthy, balanced menu that meets nutritional guidelines and is enjoyed by all users of the service. This menu should be inclusive of those with special dietary requirements. 2.An innovative and flexible menu that is in keeping with current food trends. Offering frequent themed menus and initiatives that support the curriculum and various school led activities, ensuring the food offer remains varied and enticing to its customers. 3.Frequent parental engagement through the use of newsletters, websites, social media platforms (where applicable) and, most importantly, through direct involvement at parents' evenings and open evenings. 4.Financial certainty and an understanding of the ongoing trading performance through the proactive provision of monthly trading data to support invoice charges, promoting an open book policy. It is expected that experienced and insightful contract management will promote good levels of communication and engagement across the Schools. A suitable marketing campaign to the students, staff and parents alike is imperative to promote the uptake of meals. This enhanced service should be supported by a well-trained catering team at the school, with a focus by the successful contractor on both craft training and customer service. There needs to be total transparency with accounts that are clear and easy to understand. The monthly invoice should be supported by a breakdown of the contract's financial performance against budget. The contract offered will be on a guaranteed performance basis, with a proposed profit share of any betterment to that budget. To achieve overall value for money is an objective of this tender. However, please note that the Cluster is not obliged to accept the lowest price and the contract award will be in line with the marking matrix published within the tender specification where an overall focus will be given to food quality and innovation of the catering offer, as well the management support. At the end of this tender process, the Cluster will have the option to award their individual Lots, either full or in part, to the successful supplier(s). See SQ document for more information

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/004524-2025 |
| Notice type | Tender Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Selective |
| Procurement method details | Restricted procedure |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Tender |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 11 Feb 2025 |
| Submission deadline | 14 Mar 2025 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 31 Aug 2025 - 31 Aug 2030 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £31,012,514 |
| Lots value | £31,012,570 |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Active |
| Lots status | Active |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | WOLVERHAMPTON CLUSTER ~ CATERING TENDER |
| Additional buyers | BANTOCK PRIMARY SCHOOL; BIRCHES FIRST SCHOOL; CODSALL MIDDLE SCHOOL; DOVECOTES PRIMARY SCHOOL; FALLINGS PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL; FIELD VIEW PRIMARY SCHOOL; GROVE PRIMARY SCHOOL; MERRIDALE PRIMARY SCHOOL; ST MARTIN’S PRIMARY SCHOOL; ST NICHOLAS CE FIRST SCHOOL; WEST PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL |
| Locality | WOLVERHAMPTON |
| Post town | Wolverhampton |
| Postcode | WV3 0HY |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLG West Midlands (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLG3 West Midlands |
| ITL 3 | TLG39 Wolverhampton |
| Local authority | Wolverhampton |
| Electoral ward | Ettingshall North |
| Westminster constituency | Wolverhampton South East |
| Delivery location | TLG39 Wolverhampton |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 55 - Hotel, restaurant and retail trade services

### Codes

- 55524000 - School catering services

## Release History

- 11 Feb 2025 at 12:05 - TenderUpdate - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/004524-2025
- 10 Feb 2025 at 16:05 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/004412-2025

## Notice URLs

- http://www.birches.staffs.sch.uk/
- https://fieldviewprimary.org.uk/
- https://groveprimary.org.uk/
- https://litmustms.co.uk/respond/3XZ97JVWG8
- https://litmustms.co.uk/respond/WZ7QAW7928
- https://litmustms.co.uk/tenders/UK-UK-Wolverhampton:-School-catering-services./3XZ97JVWG8
- https://st-nicholas.staffs.sch.uk/
- https://stmartinsprimary.org.uk/
- https://www.bantockprimaryschool.co.uk/
- https://www.codsallmiddleschool.com/
- https://www.dovecotesprimary.co.uk/
- https://www.fallingspark.org.uk/
- https://www.merridaleprimary.co.uk/
- https://www.westparkprimaryschool.co.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-04dd62. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-04dd62.json.