St Mary's Catholic School ~ Catering Tender

St. Mary’s Catholic School in Bishop’s Stortford is an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ secondary school of approaching 1,150 students (Sept 2021) and 150 staff. Over the last 6 years the school has gone from strength to strength in exam results (year on year setting new records), securing a fantastically strong financial position, pupil expansion and growth (rolling forward from 5FE to 6FE and now 7FE), securing over £7m in Capital Bids, and achieving Outstanding in every category of its most recent inspection (2018). However, what St. Mary’s is most proud of is the safe, happy and friendly feel that every visitor always remarks upon: St. Mary’s Catholic School are proud of the holistic focus of the school in order to develop students academically, spiritually, emotionally and physically. There is a true sense of community, where every student and member of staff can feel valued and plays their part.

The tender project is seeking to appoint a Contractor whose initiative and innovation will be welcomed for the provision of service within the existing school facilities for pupils, staff and guests. The school is co-ed with year groups 7 – 11, plus a 6th form for years 12 and 13. There will be 1,150 students on roll and 150 teaching and support staff for September 2021. The school expects 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 winning contractor will also enjoy the benefit of a brand new fully refurbished dining room, ready to open in September 2021.

The contract being tendered is for two years in duration 1st September 2021 to 31st August 2023 with the option to extend for up to a further 3 years at the discretion of the client.

St. Mary’s is in the final stages of becoming a Multi Academy Trust with 7 other schools. As a 8 school Trust, there is a possibility that all 8 schools may look to tender their catering services under one Trust wide contract for 1st September 2023 (yet to be confirmed)

This contract 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 the School for the duration of this contract.

The School year is based on a calendar of 195 days. Five days are to be used for staff professional development which means that School will be open to receive students for the legal minimum of 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 are to be charged based on consumption and at net food cost 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.

The value of the current contract is determined by sales: -

ANNUAL SALES FROM April 19 – March 2020

Pupil meals income£158,739 approximately

Adult meals income£2,223 approximately

Total sales £160,962 approximately

The figures above show the last full annual period not affected by COVID19 restrictions.

Therefore the value of the term of the contract is approximately £804,810 (total annual sales as above x 5, reflecting the maximum 5-year contract term).

However, the catering facility is not at present operating at full efficiency, and that is part of the reason for tender. It should be expected that an efficient operation would bring this contract well in excess of £1million.

Please see the SQ documents for more details. Additional information: To respond to this opportunity please click here: litmustms.co.uk/respond/8NZGZ2ZVZ4 ↗