Invitation to Tender - Framework Agreement for the Management of the Catering Services at Brontë Academy Trust

The Brontë Academy Trust wish to be at the forefront of school catering and as such require a modern, branded offer that reflects the leading trends in the industry.

At this time, the Trust's wish is to commence a catering contract, with a partner who shares their vision for a customer-focused service that attracts the maximum number of students. The meals that are to be provided must be appealing to customers, imaginative, provide good value for money and be nutritionally balanced to encourage all students to make an educated choice.

The Trust's objectives for the new contract are as follows:-

• Natasha's Law (2021): Full allergen labelling on all pre-packed food.
• Healthy eating promotion & food education initiatives.
• Seasonal, locally sourced produce prioritised.
• A catering service that is well managed and requires minimal involvement from the Trust's management team.
• A strong Contractor Area Manager who will develop and lead the team to deliver exceptional customer service, a consistently high quality food offer and spend a substantial amount of time on site at the outset to undertake this.
• A Contractor who is proactive in their relationship management with the Trust.
• Investment in the Trust's Catering service through increased marketing in return for a tenure of contract.
• A higher number of students and staff using the facilities by providing a high quality, affordable and nutritious meal.
• A catering service that encourages students to take a heathy and balanced meal.
• Food and drinks that look appetising and are attractively presented.
• A hospitality service that will help showcase the Trust through events to parents and visitors.
• A Contractor that adopts a flexible and proactive approach to all Trust activities.
• A service that is professionally merchandised and marketed with discretion and to the mutual benefit of the Trust and the Contractor.
• A Contractor that operates using the optimum level of staffing.

As well as the Aims of Service, the aims of the tender include achieving a better quality of food, as well as value for money and more incentives. Marketing to increase uptake from both children and staff.

Tender Schedule:

Issue of Invitation to Tender - 6th November 2025

Bidding Companies to Visit Sites - 18th November 2025

Clarification Deadline - 12th December 2025

Clarification Return Deadline - 19th December 2025

Deadline for return of Tender Responses - 6th January 2026 - 16:00pm

Presentation by shortlisted bidders - 26th February 2026

Reference site visits - w/c 2nd March 2026

Contract Awarded by - By 6th March 2025

Mobilisation Meeting - w/c 23rd March 2026

Contract Commencement - 1st September 2026

The schools involved in the process are:

• Haworth Primary School
• Lees Primary School
• Oakworth Primary School
• Oldfield Primary School