Scope
Description
This procurement exercise is to source a suitable catering provider for 8 primary and nursery schools within the South Farnham Educational Trust (SFET).
SFET was established as a Multi-Academy Trust in 2015, having been a converter Academy since 2011. At present the Trust consists of 11 schools (10 full members and one associate member), a Teaching School Hub and a thriving SCITT.
The Trust's vision and purpose is to create a group of schools that have a shared commitment to ensuring the highest possible outcomes for their children. The Trust have been cited as being amongst the best in the South-East region and in the top 0.7% nationally in The Sunday Times School Guides for 2024 and 2025.
Eight of the Trust's schools are seeking a new catering services contract from 1st September 2026, for a contract term of 3 years (plus possible 2 year extension on a +1year, +1year basis).
SFET is undertaking this tender exercise to source a flexible and best value catering contractor with whom they can partner with to achieve service excellence through the provision of a great tasting food, made with authentic recipes and ingredients. Healthy eating, service innovation and added value through food education and sustainability initiatives are equally as important.
The schools are as follows:
1. South Farnham Junior School
2. South Farnham Infants School
3. Wallace Fields Infant School
4. The Raleigh School
5. Busbridge Infants School
6. Great Bookham School (primary)
7. Highfield South Farnham School (primary)
8. Normandy Village School
Total value (estimated)
- £2,964,000 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:
Up to 2 year extension, on a +1year, +1year basis.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 55524000 - School catering services
Contract locations
- UKJ25 - West Surrey
Submission
Enquiry deadline
16 December 2025, 12:00pm
Submission type
Requests to participate
Deadline for requests to participate
16 December 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Submission instructions are included in the PSQ; all completed PSQ submissions are to be sent to gail@panacheconsultancy.co.uk
by the deadline stipulated.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Suppliers to be invited to tender
Minimum 5 suppliers
Selection criteria:
Scoring criteria listed in PSQ document.
Award decision date (estimated)
30 March 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality/Technical | Quality | 70% |
| Price | Price | 30% |
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Competitive flexible procedure description
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 Trust reserves the right to refine the award criteria throughout.
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/q6ioo1l6u2pb7bewezk3p/AHHn3QU5eqEv2WdXJmtoUng?rlkey=ovouwsksfpkjelvh1kik5mb96&st=166g8g84&dl=0
Interested parties are to complete a Procurement Specific Questionnaire, which can be accessed via the dropbox link provided. If you have any queries, please contact
Contracting authority
SOUTH FARNHAM EDUCATIONAL TRUST
- Companies House: 07652902
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJBC-9167-GXRG
South Farnham School
Farnham
GU9 8DY
United Kingdom
Contact name: Catering Procurement Team
Region: UKJ25 - West Surrey
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.
PANACHE CREATIVE LIMITED
Summary of their role in this procurement: Panache, catering services consultants, are assisting South Farnham Educational Trust with the facilitation of this tender exercise, as a supporting role only.
- Companies House: 07723278
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJBH-9519-QWJG
Midway House Herrick Way, Staverton Technology Park
Cheltenham
GL51 6TQ
United Kingdom
Region: UKK13 - Gloucestershire