Scope
Description
The successful Supplier will be required to provide Catering services for Six schools across Forward Education Trust {SEN}
ETHOS,VISION AND VALUES:
https://fet.ac/about-us/ethos-vision-and-values/
A welcome from Simon Dilkes, Chief Executive Officer of Forward Education Trust.
Our aim is to create a cohesive team of Trust Central staff supporting school staff teams, working together, fiercely loyal to each other. Our Trust Extended Leaders, Cavelle, Mandy and Karen bring their experience, expertise and knowledge as added value to our trust capacity. We are committed to developing local school identity and ethos, to celebrating success and adopting strategies for school improvement that build on and enhance local reputation, raise standards and respond to the needs and aspirations of those we serve - our children and their families.
Our Trust values remain unchanged, but we want to articulate them better and give unequivocal evidence that people can see those values in the decisions we make and the things that we do every single day. We want to empower people to make the right decisions and to be creative in the way that we approach the education and care of our children. Mutual respect must pervade all our relationships and together our staff will learn, practice and collaborate - a sense of team will identify what type of organisation we are and how we nurture our talent, for the benefit of our young people.
At all times, FET will be a safe place for our children, because our staff will know that this is their top priority.
I am excited about the challenges ahead. Whether you are a parent or carer, someone who wants to work for us or with us, or a school looking to join a Trust that can enhance the education your children receive, I would welcome the chance to tell you about the work of Forward Education Trust, so please do get in touch.
The Trust's purpose is to enhance, maximise and exceed expectations for young people across the Forward Education Trust and beyond. The commitment to social care for every student is paramount today, tomorrow and into the future. The Trust strives to deliver the best educational message in their care which includes catering provision that aligns with the Trust's ethos.
The Trust leadership team, Head Teachers and support network care deeply for every student and their future education. This vision should extend to the catering provision at each school with the successful contractor committed to making a positive impact. Currently, with six schools in the project, 800 students with diverse eating habits from textured, blended and syringe-fed diets. The contractor will need to give full reassurances that they are fully capable with a nutrition team that can support no matter the complex needs of many or costs that out way the benefit to dining every day.
One of six schools are currently delivering a delivered in hot services {DIH} from a Trust school, however, financial and commercial offering would be looked at to support long term solutions, additionally the contract ben offered is for three years with an option to extend for 1+1 in agreement.
Contract value: Circa, £261,000
Please see PSQ Document for more information.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at:
https://litmustms.co.uk/tenders/UK-UK-Birmingham:-School-catering-services./79D539P288
To respond to this opportunity, please click here:
Total value (estimated)
- £1,305,000 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:
1+1
Please see PSQ Document for more information.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 55524000 - School catering services
 
Contract locations
- UKG31 - Birmingham
 
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
5 December 2025, 12:00pm
Submission type
Tenders
Tender submission deadline
27 February 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)
4 May 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting | 
|---|---|---|
| Criterion 1 | Quality | 70% | 
| Criterion 2 | Cost | 30% | 
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
 
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Competitive flexible procedure description
Please see PSQ Document for more information.
Contracting authority
Forward Education Trust ~ Catering Tender
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNNM-5954-JTLZ
 
Leycroft Avenue, Tile Cross
Birmingham
B33 9UH
United Kingdom
Telephone: 01276 673896
Region: UKG31 - Birmingham
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government