The Equa Mead Trust ~ Catering Tender

EQUA Mead Learning Trust is a Multi Academy Trust based around the Trowbridge and Devizes areas in Wiltshire. The trust started in 2019 and has now increased in size to 19 Schools, consisting of 17 Primary and 2 Secondary schools. In addition, three more additional schools are currently in the process of joining and are likely to convert in September 2025, taking the to 22 schools.

EQUA Mead Learning Trust is a Multi Academy Trust based around the Trowbridge and Devizes areas in Wiltshire. The trust started in 2019 and has now increased in size to 19 Schools, consisting of 17 Primary and 2 Secondary schools. In addition, three more additional schools are currently in the process of joining and are likely to convert in September 2025, taking the to 22 schools.

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, initially for the two secondary schools, Lavington and The John of Gaunt along with one primary school St Nicholas in Bromham who between them have will have approximately 2350 students and 275 teaching and support staff as at 1 September 2025, one further primary school will join in 2026 when their current contract ends and further joiners from the trust will likely follow.

A focus on exciting new food concepts to satisfy a wide range of student tastes and dietary requirements is important. The trust would wish the successful contractor to review the current range of services offered and make recommendations accordingly.

Initially the contract being tendered is for three years in duration from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 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 the trust 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. Within the 195 days, the Trust will require hospitality for various networks, meetings and events that it hosts. We are also keen for the contractor to implement where required a breakfast and after school option. 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 Trustees are not obliged to accept the lowest price.

The trust expects the successful contractor to enable the continued development of catering through the provision of an innovative, healthy food service, with fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients being prepared on the trust sites. The School expects the successful tenderer to evidence, through their bid, how they shall support and complement its values and support the principles of Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The School believes that success should be celebrated and that pupils should enjoy their time at school; if lessons are stimulating and challenging then students will love learning. Much time therefore, is spent reviewing and planning schemes of work to ensure that they are differentiated to meet the needs of all students. As a result, the trust Schools are very enthusiastic regarding work experience and apprenticeship proposals and would welcome the input of the successful Contractor.

As a trust who are continually seeking ways to improve and develop the ethos and environment for students and staff, to give them the facilities they deserve and need to meet the challenges of the 21st Century, any consideration regarding inward capital investment as part of the Contractor’s tender submission would be welcomed. The trust would wish for the Contractor to look at making this investment within the existing dining areas.

Please be advised that this contract will be let on a 3 + 2 years basis.

See SQ Document for more information.