University Schools Trust ~ Catering Tender

University Schools Trust (UST) seeks to appoint a Contractor whose skills, experience and attributes align with the Trusts Vision and Values. As a small Trust of 4 Schools, the Trust is actively looking to grow and are engaged in discussions with a range of schools’. Community is at the heart of our culture and ensuring our pupils have access to good, well prepared, nutritious food. As UST has grown we are moving towards a more centralised Procurement Model, appointing the services of a single catering contractor is a vital part of achieving this goal. Whilst the Trust currently benefits from localised contract arrangements, we 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 August 2025 to 31st July 2028 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 University Schools Trust for the duration of this contract. The intention is the contract will be let on a 3 + 2 years basis. 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 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. As an organisation we encourage our specialist partners to challenge our approach to innovation and investment whilst also considering decarbonisation. The Trust would therefore welcome consideration of inward capital investment as part of the Contractor’s tender submission, where some elements of equipment or due to reach end of lifecycle. Vision and Values Our overriding purpose as a Multi-Academy Trust is driven by our vision and values. Vision: Where collaboration breeds transformation Guided by and working with our Trust Partners. The Trust is a family of inclusive schools where collaborative partnerships deliver a transformational education which empowers our pupils and the communities, they come from to realise their full potential. A culture of high expectations nurtures a drive to achieve excellence and to take ownership of future academic and vocational learning paths in order to equip our pupils as global citizens and inspire their communities. Values: The UST Guarantee Achieving Excellence through Transformational Education that Empowers Communities. Achieving Excellence The Trust inspires each member of our learning community to be ambitious, to realise their potential and to succeed academically and vocationally. Transformational Education The Trust ensures that the dynamic curricula and pastoral offers of our schools are enriched by the civic leadership and research from our university, public and private Trust partners. See SQ Document for more information.