The Keys Academy Trust - Catering Services (2026)

The Keys Academy Trust is currently out to tender for the provision of a full daily catering service.

The services at the Trust schools are outsourced.

The Contractor will be responsible for the provision of a full school food catering service for the pupils and staff at the Trust schools. This will consist of a full lunch service for each school day at all sites.

The catering facilities at the school include the main hall used as dining areas and kitchen/ servery.

Across the Trust there are currently 2904 pupils on roll for the academic year 2026/27. Of this figure, 1142 pupils are entitled to UIFSM and a further 222 to Free School Meals.

TUPE is expected to apply, details of which can be found in the tender documentation.

The Trust is keen to further increase uptake and continue the good work already in place for catering. It wishes to do so by working closely with the successful contractor in developing and continuously improving the service and partnership during the period of the contract and by introducing innovative and creative ideas as submitted in the tender process and ongoing.

The Trust is aware that there are always opportunities to improve and modernise. They are interested in ensuring that the caterers provide the best possible service, introducing new menu ideas and initiatives so that pupils are all eating and utilising the service regularly.

Suppliers that would like to take part in this process are invited to "Express Interest" upon which they will be given access to the full tender documentation through this e-tendering system.

When the tender documents have been made available suppliers will receive notification via email and the tender documents can be accessed from the "My Tender" area of this website and by selecting the "View Details" button of this project.

The deadline for PSQ submissions via the In-Tend system is 17:00 on 04 December 2026. The deadline for ITT submissions via the In-Tend system will be 17:00 on 03 March 2027.

Please allow sufficient time to make your return as late returns will not be accepted.

Any questions relating to this tender should be made via the correspondence section of this website.