Scope
Description
Dartford Grammar School was founded in 1576 and is one of the oldest schools in England. For nearly 450 years, Dartford Grammar School has enabled young people from Dartford and its surrounding area to achieve great things. Judged outstanding in every Ofsted inspection, and The Sunday Times State School of the Year in the South East (24/2025), Dartford Grammar School provides a broad, balanced international education, following the principles of the International Baccalaureate both in Key Stage 3 and the Sixth Form.
The tender project is seeking to appoint a Contractor whose initiative and innovation will be welcomed for the provision of service within the existing facilities for the 1544 students on roll and 164 teaching and support staff, with a focus on exciting new food concepts to satisfy a wide range of pupil tastes and dietary requirements. The School would wish the successful contractor to review the current range of services offered and make recommendations accordingly.
The contract being tendered is for three years in duration from 01/09/2026 to 31/08/2029 and will operate as a Guaranteed Performance Contract, with the successful Contractor offering the School a guaranteed return / cost per annum for the provision of catering services. Sovereignty of the cash tariff is to remain with Dartford Grammar School for the duration of this contract.
The School year is based on a calendar of 195 days. Between Five to Seven days are to be used for staff professional development which means that School will be open to receive students for a minimum of 187/190 days.
The contract offered covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the School, which currently includes morning break, lunch, all hospitality and free issue requirements. Free School meals and hospitality will be charged based on consumption and at net food cost.
Whilst the School prioritises value for money as a key objective of the Competitive Tender Process, the Governing body is not obliged to accept the lowest price.
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-Dartford:-School-catering-services./G2SGGWZ497
To respond to this opportunity, please click here:
Total value (estimated)
- £3,230,110 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:
Please be advised that this contract will be let on a 3 + 2 years basis
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 55524000 - School catering services
Contract locations
- UKJ4 - Kent
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
2 January 2026, 12:00pm
Submission type
Tenders
Tender submission deadline
6 March 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 | Price | 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 Timetable for details for process on this tender
Contracting authority
Dartford Grammar School For Boys
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWJL-3658-HDLX
West Hill
Dartford
DA1 2HW
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ43 - Kent Thames Gateway
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government