Scope
Reference
CCL_117
Description
Marlborough Primary School is a primary school in Hounslow, Middlesex with a student population of approximately 536 aged between 3 and 11 years of age. The school is supported by a team of 85 teaching and support staff, including the catering team. There is one busy main restaurant, equipped with a modern, well-maintained kitchen, serving as the hub of its catering provision. As part of this tender, the school is seeking to replace its 6 ring electric range with a modern induction unit, (for information, the two combi ovens are 12 years old). This upgrade is expected to be included within the successful bidder's proposed capital investment package to support an efficient and sustainable catering delivery service.
The Headteacher, Natalie McKeever, in collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), is committed to enhancing the school's catering services. As part of this commitment, the school is tendering its catering contract to secure a provider that can deliver the very best service for every student at the school. The new contract will commence on 1st of January 2026 for an initial three-year term, with an option to extend for a further two years, subject to satisfactory performance and client agreement on budgets and service levels. The incumbent is Wilson Jones and due to a breakdown in working relationships the contract must start in January 2026.
This contract is designed to reward proactive management, ensuring high meal uptake, consistently high food quality and tangible contract support. The School, alongside CCL, expects the successful Contractor to reasonably guarantee their financial proposal and maintain excellent service standards.
The procurement process follows a two stage 'Competitive Flexible' approach, beginning with a Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) stage followed by an Invitation to Tender (ITT) stage after shortlisting. This process is managed under the Light Touch Regime, and the School reserves the right to refine the award criteria throughout and use accelerated timelines.
The School Business Manager and SLT has outlined key priorities for this tender, including:
A TUPE-compliant bid with recommendations for service equipment, serving points, staffing levels and a bespoke food concept to drive sales and uptake.
In short, the School seeks a trusted catering partner who can deliver their promises, achieve their sales targets, deliver their service enhancements in full. If bidders fail to demonstrate their ability to meet expectations, the school reserves the right to revert to an 'insourced' solution or post no award. Any investment proposals will need to be consistent with DFE guidelines.
The school also expects the winning bidder to support the school by crediting £5,000, the costs of the catering procurement, in their first monthly invoice.
Contract 1. Marlborough Primary School Catering Tender
Supplier
Contract value
- £636,849 excluding VAT
- £764,219 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
17 November 2025
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
18 November 2025
Earliest date the contract will be signed
18 December 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2028
- Possible extension to 31 December 2030
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
An additional two years of contract tenure are possible subject to satisfactory performance and client approval.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 55524000 - School catering services
Information about tenders
- 3 tenders received
- 3 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 0 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 2 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Submission
Submission type
Requests to participate
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Supplier
Olive
- Companies House: 08093774
8 Station Road East
Oxted
RH8 0BT
United Kingdom
Email: info@olivedining.co.uk
Website: http://www.olivedining.co.uk
Region: UKJ26 - East Surrey
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. Marlborough Primary School Catering Tender
Contracting authority
Marlborough Primary School
- UK Register of Learning Providers (UKPRN number): 102494
London Road
Isleworth
tw7 5xa
United Kingdom
Contact name: Cohesion Procurement Team
Email: info@cohesionconsulting.co.uk
Website: http://www.marlboroughprimary.co.uk
Region: UKI75 - Hounslow and Richmond upon Thames
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
Cohesion Consulting Limited
Summary of their role in this procurement: Cohesion are managing the tender process on behalf of the school
- Companies House: 13682273
16 Mount Pleasant
Tunbridge Wells
TN1 1QU
United Kingdom
Contact name: CCL Procurement Team
Email: info@cohesionconsulting.co.uk
Website: http://www.cohesionconsulting.co.uk
Region: UKJ46 - West Kent