Scope
Reference
STC01.40
Description
This tender opportunity has been issued by St Christopher’s Multi Academy Trust (“the Trust”) and Tenderers are invited to tender for the provision of an Outsourced Catering Service (the Service”). The Contractor shall: a. work in partnership with the Trust, offering a service that is aligned to the vision, values and ethos of the Trust. b. operate a standard approach across schools, delivering an exemplary quality of service with a continuous drive in relation to uptake and participation, which ensures UIFSM and FSM reaches and stays >95%, offering innovative solutions and ideas. c. have appropriate processes and procedures in place for individuals with food allergens, medical and dietary requirements, religious cultural and SEND dietary requirements d. demonstrate a centralised contract management approach, including a robust complaints management policy that offers transparency and visibility of management information, KPI and financial performance. e. operate the contract in line with School Food Standards, British, International and EU standards & legislation, working with the Trust in compiling a nutritious and healthy menu offer. f. promote environmental and social sustainability in all aspects of the school meals provision. g. provide signage and marketing for the service. h. implement a robust mobilisation plan for the contract that will demonstrate partnership working, is seamless and demonstrates due regard for risk with appropriate mitigation measures, including the responsibility for TUPE of existing staff.
Total value (estimated)
- £2,000,000 excluding VAT
- £2,400,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2029
- Possible extension to 31 August 2031
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
2 further one year extensions
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 55524000 - School catering services
Contract locations
- IE053 - South-West
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
A financial appraisal will be based upon a credit check. Insurances a. Employer’s (Compulsory) Liability Insurance* = [£10m] b. Public Liability Insurance = [£10m] c. Professional Indemnity Insurance = [£1m] d. Product Liability Insurance = [£1m]
Technical ability conditions of participation
Provide 3 relevant previous contract examples To constitute a pass, the contract examples provided shall be relevant to the requirement, with a sufficient level of detail that provides confidence in the Tenderer’s established past experience in similar and relevant projects/contracts. The contracts must be within the education sector and similar complexity and working on more than one site within the contract.
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
30 March 2026, 12:00am
Tender submission deadline
30 March 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
26 May 2026
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 6 January 2031
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed Position Approach Assessment | Quality | 20% |
| Guaranteed Position Assessment | Cost | 20% |
| Proposed Service Model | Quality | 12.5% |
| Menu Planning & Development | Quality | 10% |
| Food Offering | Quality | 7.5% |
| Allergy Management | Quality | 7.5% |
| Service Model Case Study | Quality | 5% |
| Contractor Staff | Quality | 5% |
| Contract Management | Quality | 5% |
| Account Management | Quality | 2.5% |
| Contract Mobilisation & Risk Management | Quality | 2.5% |
| Sustainability | Quality | 2.5% |
Other information
Payment terms
The Contractor shall operate the service efficiently and provide a commercial solution that offers best value to the Trust, proactively assessing where efficiencies can be made and discussing these and their cost benefits with the Trust. The Contractor shall submit invoices and associated documentation by email to the Trust finance team. Invoicing will be monthly, in arrears from the end of the previous month based on number of meals taken, agreed with the kitchen and school office on a daily basis. Where, during a monthly period, it has been identified, and agreed, that adjustments are required (in respect of service credits, additional works, errors or omissions), these will be taken account of within the invoice for the following month.
Description of risks to contract performance
Financial Inflation and Rising Costs: Food price inflation, energy bills, and wage increases. Caterers locked into long-term contracts may struggle to remain profitable, risking service quality or contract withdrawal. Staffing Challenges Recruitment Difficulties: Shortages of skilled catering staff, especially in rural or low-income areas. Difficulty attracting and retaining staff due to limited pay and benefits. Training Gaps: Inadequate training in food safety, allergens, and safeguarding can lead to compliance issues. Reputational and Compliance Risks Non-compliance with School Food Standards can result in reputational damage and regulatory scrutiny. Non-compliance with the tender specification or compliance requirement
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Justification for not publishing a preliminary market engagement notice
The justification is that the requirements are not complex, or niche and the Contracting Authority already has an understanding of what they want the service to deliver and the market is known.
Contracting authority
St Christopher's Multi Academy Trust
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVZV-9156-DNTY
St Leonards Road
Exeter
EX2 4NQ
United Kingdom
Contact name: Julia Croughton
Email: julia.croughton@stcmat.org
Region: UKK43 - Devon CC
Organisation type: Public authority - central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
PHP Law LLP
Summary of their role in this procurement: Tender Process Support
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPRM-9434-VNYQ
Unit 3 The Brutus Centre Station Road Totnes
Totnes
TQ9 5RW
United Kingdom
Region: UKK43 - Devon CC