Leigh Academies Trust ~ Catering Services Tender

Leigh Academies Trust is a non-profit making charitable company limited by guarantee, based in Strood, Medway. The Trust exists to support and assist schools to build upon their existing strengths and to help them achieve rapid educational transformation. It has significant experience in running schools, and today includes both sponsored academies and schools which have chosen to convert to Academy status. The Trust was formed in 2008 with the linking of the Leigh Technology Academy and Longfield Academy under one governing body. Today, we encompass more than 20,000 students between the ages of 2 months and 19 in 30 primary, secondary and special academies including one all-through academy and one grammar school. 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 20,000 students on roll and 2,000 teaching and support staff, with a focus on exciting new food concepts to satisfy a wide range of pupil tastes and dietary requirements. The Trust 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 1st September 2023 to 31st August 2026 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 Leigh Academies Trust for the duration of this contract. The academic year is based on a calendar of approximately 190 days with each academy setting their own calendar. The contract offered covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the Trust, which currently includes morning break, lunch, after school provision, all hospitality and free issue requirements. Free School Meals and hospitality will be charged based on consumption and at net food cost. Of particular note for this contract is Milestone Academy, a special academy which caters for pupils as young as 2 years old up to sixth form age, some of whom have severe special needs and therefore an inclusive and often individual approach to catering is required. Whilst Leigh Academies Trust prioritises value for money as a key objective of the Competitive Tender Process, it is not obliged to accept the lowest price. See SQ Document for further details.