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
UKE22 - North Yorkshire CC
Companies House
5667
Internet address(es)
Main address
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
- 55524000 - School catering services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
Provision of catering service for a Trust of 15 Schools including 2 Secondaries, across North Yorkshire.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)
Lowest offer: £428,216.84 / Highest offer: £793,386.3 taken into consideration
two.2) Description
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKE2 - North Yorkshire
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
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.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: 13 qualitative questions / Weighting: 400/600 points
Cost criterion - Name: 3 criteria measured-Cost, Investment & Financial Narrative / Weighting: 250/600
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
2x optional extensions of 12 months each
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Open procedure
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.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number: 2025/S 000-017240
Section five. Award of contract
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
21 July 2025
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 4
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Aspens Services Limited
London
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKE2 - North Yorkshire
Companies House
06561073
The contractor is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Lowest offer: £438,217.44 / Highest offer: £793,386.3 taken into consideration
Section six. Complementary information
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Red Box Consultancy Services
Harrogate
Country
United Kingdom