Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
NORTHERN STAR ACADEMIES TRUST
77 Gargrave Road
Skipton
BD231QN
Contact
Louise Bullman
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
UK Register of Learning Providers (UKPRN number)
10057355
Internet address(es)
Main address
one.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted electronically via
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Education
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Invitation To Tender (Framework Agreement) To Manage Catering Services at Northern Star Academies Trust
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 55500000 - Canteen and catering services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
The Northern Star Academies Trust have decided to tender their catering services to investigate the financial and qualitative benefits they could be offered through this process.
In 2024, NSAT (9 Schools) merged with Nurture Academies Trust, a cluster of 6 Bradford/Keighley Primary Schools with an in-house catering function.
The original 7 NSAT Schools are based in Harrogate, Skipton & Keighley, and include a mix of Primaries (7) and Secondaries (2). Currently they outsource their catering service. The Trust wishes to bring all 15 Schools under central management.
Byron Primary School, Bradford
Denholme Primary School, Bradford
Eastwood Community School, Keighley
Greatwood Community Primary School, Skipton
Holycroft Primary School, Keighley
Hookstone Chase Primary School, Harrogate
Lapage Primary School, Bradford
Meadow Bank Community School, Bradford
New Park Primary School, Harrogate
Parkwood Primary School, Keighley
Starbeck Primary Academy, Harrogate
Victoria Primary School, Keighley
Willow Tree Community Primary School, Harrogate
Harrogate High School, Harrogate
Skipton Girls High School, Skipton
Aims of the Service
The Northern Star Academies Trust wish to be at the forefront of school catering and as such require a modern, branded offer that reflects the leading trends in the industry whilst adapting to a diverse demographic of customers.
At this time, the Trust's wish is to commence a catering contract, with a partner who shares their vision for a customer-focused service that attracts the maximum number of students. The meals that are to be provided must be appealing to customers, inclusive, imaginative, provide excellent value for money and be nutritionally balanced to encourage all students to make an educated choice.
The School's objectives for the new contract are as follows:-
• A catering service that is professionally managed and works in partnership with Business & Operations Leadership.
• A strong Contractor & Group/Area Manager who will develop and lead the team to deliver exceptional customer service, a consistently high-quality food offer and spend a substantial amount of time on site at the outset to undertake this.
• A Contractor who is proactive in their relationship management with the School/Trust.
• Flexible menus to fit local demographics
• Food education initiatives, pupil engagement and improved social dining experience
• Seasonal, locally sourced produce prioritised.
• Food and drinks that look appetising and are attractively presented.
• A service that is professionally merchandised and marketed with discretion and to the mutual benefit of the Trust and the Contractor.
• Natasha's Law (2021): Full allergen labelling on all pre-packed food.
• HMC Halal Compliance where required.
• To work with Schools to develop a social dining ethos leading to a higher number of students and staff using the facilities.
• A Contractor that adopts a flexible and proactive approach to all Trust activities, specifically involving student engagement at Primary & Secondary level within food education and skills development.
• A Contractor that is dedicated to supporting our local communities through Social Value enterprise and engagement activities.
• A Contractor that operates using the optimum level of staffing.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 15894210 - School meals
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Commercial & Qualitative evaluation, weighted 60% Quality, 40% commercial
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
36
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
2x 1 year optional extensions
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
2x 1 year optional extensions
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Open procedure
four.1.3) Information about a framework agreement or a dynamic purchasing system
The procurement involves the establishment of a framework agreement
Framework agreement with a single operator
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
four.2) Administrative information
four.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
Date
30 May 2025
Local time
4:00pm
four.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted
English
four.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders
Date
30 May 2025
Local time
4:01pm
Section six. Complementary information
six.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement: No
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Red Box Consultancy Services
Harrogate
Country
United Kingdom