The Litmus Partnership is using Delta eSourcing to run this tender exercise
| Notice Summary |
|---|
| Title: | Oxlip Learning Partnership ~ Catering Tender |
| Notice type: | UK4: Tender notice |
| Authority: | The Litmus Partnership |
| Nature of contract: | Services |
| Procedure: | Above threshold - Competitive flexible procedure |
| Short Description: | The successful Supplier will be required to provide catering services for up to five schools (2 x Secondary and 3 x Primary) of the Oxlip Learning Partnership ( the trust). The Trust comprises two secondary academies (Copleston High School and Stowupland High School) and five primary academies of which 3 (Bacton Primary School, Cedars Park Primary School, Mendlesham Primary School) are potentially in scope for this project. At this present moment, the schools have differing approaches to catering service provision, Copleston High School is outsourced whereas the other four schools potentially in scope for this tender are currently self-delivering. Copleston High School is the key driver for this procurement exercise as it will be out of contract in Summer 2026 and needs to find an in-form, competent and confidant service provider capable of engaging its 1900 + pupils on a daily basis for its new contract term, whereas the self-delivered schools, if they participate will be curious as to a bidder’s experience in taking schools to first time outsourcing and it’s challenges and risks alongside the commercial opportunities that this could realise. The Trust is presenting this exciting opportunity to partner with a supplier who is able to deliver their vision of promoting health and wellbeing through food provision across the five schools. Current sales at Copleston are equivalent of £520k pa. Current Turnover if all five schools become part of scope is expected to be just short of £1m. It is thought that, with focus of resources and investment, there is significant growth potential through driving uptake in all of the self-operated schools. The client would like to see innovative delivery of emerging food trends that are seen on the high street and in retail outlets that pupils and their families frequent and therefore need to be reflected in the school dining rooms. The ITT will capture detailed specifications for each school against which bidders can present confident proposals. Please see PSQ Document for more information. |
| Published: | 22/01/2026 11:21 |
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Scope
Description: The successful Supplier will be required to provide catering services for up to five schools (2 x Secondary and 3 x Primary) of the Oxlip Learning Partnership ( the trust).
The Trust comprises two secondary academies (Copleston High School and Stowupland High School) and five primary academies of which 3 (Bacton Primary School, Cedars Park Primary School, Mendlesham Primary School) are potentially in scope for this project.
At this present moment, the schools have differing approaches to catering service provision, Copleston High School is outsourced whereas the other four schools potentially in scope for this tender are currently self-delivering. Copleston High School is the key driver for this procurement exercise as it will be out of contract in Summer 2026 and needs to find an in-form, competent and confidant service provider capable of engaging its 1900 + pupils on a daily basis for its new contract term, whereas the self-delivered schools, if they participate will be curious as to a bidder’s experience in taking schools to first time outsourcing and it’s challenges and risks alongside the commercial opportunities that this could realise.
The Trust is presenting this exciting opportunity to partner with a supplier who is able to deliver their vision of promoting health and wellbeing through food provision across the five schools. Current sales at Copleston are equivalent of £520k pa. Current Turnover if all five schools become part of scope is expected to be just short of £1m. It is thought that, with focus of resources and investment, there is significant growth potential through driving uptake in all of the self-operated schools.
The client would like to see innovative delivery of emerging food trends that are seen on the high street and in retail outlets that pupils and their families frequent and therefore need to be reflected in the school dining rooms. The ITT will capture detailed specifications for each school against which bidders can present confident proposals.
Please see PSQ Document for more information.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at:
https://litmustms.co.uk/tenders/UK-UK-Suffolk:-School-catering-services./8725VGB8FH
To respond to this opportunity, please click here:
https://litmustms.co.uk/respond/8725VGB8FH
Total value (estimated):
GBP 2,600,000 including VAT
Description
Contract dates (estimated)
01/09/2026 to 31/08/2029
CPV Classifications:
55524000 - School catering services.
Contract can be extended:
Yes
Extension Date:
31/08/2031
Delivery regions:
UKH14 Suffolk
Award criteria:
Quality criterion - Name: Criterion 1 / Weighting: 70
Quality criterion - Name: Criterion 2 / Weighting: 30
Submission
Enquiry deadline: 20/02/2026 Time: 12:00Tender submission deadline: 24/04/2026 Time: 12:00
Submission address and any special instructions: https://litmustms.co.uk/respond/8725VGB8FH
An electronic auction will be used: No
Languages that may be used for submission: English, Award decision date (estimated): 25/05/2026
Procedure
Procedure type: Competitive flexible procedure
Contracting authority
Oxlip Learning Partnership, PVZX-1998-PMNJ
Oxlip Learning Partnership, Copleston Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 5HD, United Kingdom
Tel. 01276 673896, Email: tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
Contact: Howard Allen
Address of the buyer profile: https://www.oxlip.uk/
Organisation type: REGIONAL_AUTHORITY
Devolved regulations that apply: None