The Northern Star Academies Trust have decided to tender their catering services to investigate the financial and qualitative benefits they could be offered through this process.
In 2024, NSAT (9 Schools) merged with Nurture Academies Trust, a cluster of 6 Bradford/Keighley Primary Schools with an in-house catering function.
The original 7 NSAT Schools are based in Harrogate, Skipton & Keighley, and include a mix of Primaries (7) and Secondaries (2). Currently they outsource their catering service. The Trust wishes to bring all 15 Schools under central management.
Byron Primary School, Bradford
Denholme Primary School, Bradford
Eastwood Community School, Keighley
Greatwood Community Primary School, Skipton
Holycroft Primary School, Keighley
Hookstone Chase Primary School, Harrogate
Lapage Primary School, Bradford
Meadow Bank Community School, Bradford
New Park Primary School, Harrogate
Parkwood Primary School, Keighley
Starbeck Primary Academy, Harrogate
Victoria Primary School, Keighley
Willow Tree Community Primary School, Harrogate
Harrogate High School, Harrogate
Skipton Girls High School, Skipton
Aims of the Service
The Northern Star Academies Trust wish to be at the forefront of school catering and as such require a modern, branded offer that reflects the leading trends in the industry whilst adapting to a diverse demographic of customers.
At this time, the Trust's wish is to commence a catering contract, with a partner who shares their vision for a customer-focused service that attracts the maximum number of students. The meals that are to be provided must be appealing to customers, inclusive, imaginative, provide excellent value for money and be nutritionally balanced to encourage all students to make an educated choice.
The School's objectives for the new contract are as follows:-
• A catering service that is professionally managed and works in partnership with Business & Operations Leadership.
• A strong Contractor & Group/Area Manager who will develop and lead the team to deliver exceptional customer service, a consistently high-quality food offer and spend a substantial amount of time on site at the outset to undertake this.
• A Contractor who is proactive in their relationship management with the School/Trust.
• Flexible menus to fit local demographics
• Food education initiatives, pupil engagement and improved social dining experience
• Seasonal, locally sourced produce prioritised.
• Food and drinks that look appetising and are attractively presented.
• A service that is professionally merchandised and marketed with discretion and to the mutual benefit of the Trust and the Contractor.
• Natasha's Law (2021): Full allergen labelling on all pre-packed food.
• HMC Halal Compliance where required.
• To work with Schools to develop a social dining ethos leading to a higher number of students and staff using the facilities.
• A Contractor that adopts a flexible and proactive approach to all Trust activities, specifically involving student engagement at Primary & Secondary level within food education and skills development.
• A Contractor that is dedicated to supporting our local communities through Social Value enterprise and engagement activities.
• A Contractor that operates using the optimum level of staffing.