The Willink School ~ Catering Tender

The Willink, based in Burghfield Common, is a vibrant community school for over 1,200 students aged 11-18.

As the preferred state school in our area, we attract learners beyond our catchment, including Hampshire, Reading, and Wokingham.

Our broad and balanced curriculum has a strong international flavour, tailored to cultivate a global mindset in our students. Rooted in our heritage as a Language College, we teach four foreign languages which fosters linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding.

Exceptional academic outcomes position us among Berkshire’s top ten non-selective schools, reflecting our commitment to educational excellence.

As leaders in mathematics instruction we head the Mobius Maths Hub, a national centre of excellence, thus extending our influence across Berkshire and Wiltshire. We maintain strategic partnerships with Teaching School Hub Berkshire, underscoring our dedication to exceptional education. Above all, The Willink is a lively, welcoming institution encouraging high aspirations and expectations for our learning community.

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 1250 students on roll and 217 teaching and support staff, with 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 contract being tendered is for three years in duration from 01 August 2024 to 31 July 2027 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 Willink 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 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.

Please see SQ Document for more information.