Scope
Reference
MPN-10329
Description
The Compass Partnership of Schools is currently out to tender for the provision of a full daily catering service.
The services at the Trust schools are outsourced.
The Contractor will be responsible for the provision of a full school food catering service for the pupils and staff at the Trust schools. This will consist of full lunch service for each school day at all sites.
The catering facilities at the school include the main dining areas and servery. All outlets are available to all pupils.
Across the Trust there are currently 5483 pupils on roll for the academic year 2024/25. Of this figure, 1946 pupils are entitled to UIFSM and a further 1611 to Free School Meals.
TUPE is expected to apply, details of which can be found in the tender documentation.
Some members of the catering team (24 employees) are members of the Local Government Pension Scheme and all details are in the tender documentation.
The Trust is keen to further increase uptake and continue the good work already in place for catering. It wishes to do so by working closely with the successful contractor in developing and continuously improving the service and partnership during the period of the contract and by introducing innovative and creative ideas as submitted in the tender process and ongoing.
The Trust is aware that there are always opportunities to improve and modernise. They are interested in ensuring that the caterers provide the best possible service, introducing new menu ideas and initiatives so that pupils are all eating and utilising the service regularly.
Contract 1. The Compass Partnership of Schools - Catering Services
Supplier
Contract value
- £11,221,709 excluding VAT
- £11,221,709 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
12 December 2025
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
12 December 2025
Earliest date the contract will be signed
14 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 14 February 2026 to 13 February 2029
- Possible extension to 13 February 2031
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
The duration detailed above includes the initial term of three years as well as the two optional contract extension periods of 12 months each
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
The contract will be awarded for an initial period of three years with two possible extensions of 12 months meaning a maximum contract length of five years
CPV classifications
- 55524000 - School catering services
Information about tenders
- 5 tenders received
- 5 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 1 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 4 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Unsuccessful suppliers
Submission
Submission type
Requests to participate
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Suppliers
Aspens Services Ltd
- Companies House: 06561073
Whittington
Worcester
WR5 2RY
United Kingdom
Website: http://www.aspens-services.co.uk
Region: UKG12 - Worcestershire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Caterlink
- Companies House: 03732298
300 Thames Valley Park Drive
Reading
RG6 1PT
United Kingdom
Website: https://caterlinkltd.co.uk/
Region: UKJ11 - Berkshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Compass Contract Service (UK) Ltd
- Companies House: 02114954
Parklands Court, 24 Parklands Rubery
Birmingham
B45 9PZ
United Kingdom
Region: UKG31 - Birmingham
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. The Compass Partnership of Schools - Catering Services
Dolce Ltd
- Companies House: 02470662
Automation House
Lowton
WA3 2AN
United Kingdom
Website: https://www.dolce.co.uk/
Region: UKD36 - Greater Manchester North West
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Juniper Pursuits Limited
- Companies House: 11227559
29 The Old Town Hall
Stratford
E15 4BQ
United Kingdom
Website: https://www.juniperventures.co.uk/
Region: UKI41 - Hackney and Newham
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contracting authority
The Compass Partnership of Schools
- Companies House: 10360957
Alderwood Primary School Rainham Close
London
SE9 2JB
United Kingdom
Contact name: Ben Jones
Telephone: +441256467107
Email: tenders@minervapcs.com
Website: https://www.compassps.uk/
Region: UKI51 - Bexley and Greenwich
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.
Minerva Procurement Consultancy Services Limited
Summary of their role in this procurement: Procurement consultancy managing the tender process for The Compass Partnership of Schools
- Companies House: 07144956
117 Devonshire House Aviary Court
Basingstoke
RG24 8PE
United Kingdom
Contact name: Ben Jones
Telephone: +441256467107
Email: tenders@minervapcs.com
Website: https://www.minervapcs.com/
Region: UKJ37 - North Hampshire