The Litmus Partnership is using Delta eSourcing to run this tender exercise
| Notice Summary |
|---|
| Title: | Dartford Grammar School For Boys ~ Catering Tender |
| Notice type: | UK4: Tender notice |
| Authority: | The Litmus Partnership |
| Nature of contract: | Services |
| Procedure: | Above threshold - Competitive flexible procedure |
| Short Description: | Dartford Grammar School was founded in 1576 and is one of the oldest schools in England. For nearly 450 years, Dartford Grammar School has enabled young people from Dartford and its surrounding area to achieve great things. Judged outstanding in every Ofsted inspection, and The Sunday Times State School of the Year in the South East (24/2025), Dartford Grammar School provides a broad, balanced international education, following the principles of the International Baccalaureate both in Key Stage 3 and the Sixth Form. 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 1544 students on roll and 164 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 01/09/2026 to 31/08/2029 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 Dartford Grammar School for the duration of this contract. The School year is based on a calendar of 195 days. Between Five to Seven days are to be used for staff professional development which means that School will be open to receive students for a minimum of 187/190 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 PSQ Document for more information |
| Published: | 05/12/2025 11:46 |
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Scope
Description: Dartford Grammar School was founded in 1576 and is one of the oldest schools in England. For nearly 450 years, Dartford Grammar School has enabled young people from Dartford and its surrounding area to achieve great things. Judged outstanding in every Ofsted inspection, and The Sunday Times State School of the Year in the South East (24/2025), Dartford Grammar School provides a broad, balanced international education, following the principles of the International Baccalaureate both in Key Stage 3 and the Sixth Form.
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 1544 students on roll and 164 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 01/09/2026 to 31/08/2029 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 Dartford Grammar School for the duration of this contract.
The School year is based on a calendar of 195 days. Between Five to Seven days are to be used for staff professional development which means that School will be open to receive students for a minimum of 187/190 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 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-Dartford:-School-catering-services./G2SGGWZ497
To respond to this opportunity, please click here:
https://litmustms.co.uk/respond/G2SGGWZ497
Total value (estimated):
GBP 3,230,110 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:
UKJ4 Kent
Award criteria:
Quality criterion - Name: Criterion 1 / Weighting: 70
Quality criterion - Name: Criterion 2 / Weighting: 30
Submission
Enquiry deadline: 02/01/2026 Time: 12:00Tender submission deadline: 06/03/2026 Time: 12:00
Submission address and any special instructions: https://litmustms.co.uk/respond/G2SGGWZ497
An electronic auction will be used: No
Languages that may be used for submission: English, Award decision date (estimated): 04/05/2026
Procedure
Procedure type: Competitive flexible procedure
Contracting authority
Dartford Grammar School For Boys, PWJL-3658-HDLX
West Hill, Dartford, DA1 2HW, United Kingdom
Email: tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
Organisation type: REGIONAL_AUTHORITY
Devolved regulations that apply: None