The Howard Academies Trust ~ Catering Tender

The Howard Academy Trust, comprising nine schools across three local authorities, is seeking a catering contractor to provide high-quality, fresh, nutritious meals to its primary and secondary schools, excluding the AP/SEN school. The successful provider must deliver an innovative, healthy food service using fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients prepared on-site, ensuring consistency and financial viability while increasing meal uptake, particularly in Medway schools. The contract, starting November 2026 for nearly three years with a possible two-year extension, aims to build on existing strengths at certain schools and significantly improve catering quality and variety across others, accommodating diverse dietary needs. The Trust values collaboration and innovation and expects the caterer to align with its principles of inclusivity, dignity, respect, and ambition, supporting Every Child Matters. Recent substantial kitchen investments have been made, and the Trust seeks tenders offering a guaranteed performance basis with no additional cost or better.