WELLINGTON School has announced that it has awarded its new catering contract to Banbury-based Thomas Franks.

Headmaster Eugene du Toit said: “Eating well is a fundamentally critical part of school life, particularly in boarding schools, so getting it right is essential to ensure happy students and an outstanding service for the whole school community.”

Wellington School has undertaken a rigorous tender process, which saw governors, parents, staff and, pupils meeting teams from three short-listed catering providers and tasting their offerings.

Thomas Franks’ approach to nourishing pupils with locally and ethically sourced ingredients, sustainability and delivering freshly prepared, tasty and nutritious food every day impressed the panel greatly, the school said.

Wellington School is delighted to be in partnership with Thomas Franks and has previously collaborated with their charitable foundation to provide support to disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young adults locally. The transition to the new contract will commence in August in readiness for the start of the new term in September.

Thomas Franks’ caters to 118 prestigious schools and educational institutions across the UK and Europe and currently serves over 35,000 lunches each day. They are known for their innovative and seasonal approach to food, using only fresh ingredients and cooking from scratch every single day.

Frank Bothwell, the owner of Thomas Franks, said: “I am proud to lead the catering for Wellington and we will provide a 21st century food vision, for a brilliant 21st century school. Wellington is at its heart a loyal community school, but with a global reach. We will work hard to echo its core vision via our food to its pupils.”

Eugene du Toit added: “Our pupils deserve the very best; eating healthily and well is a key component of supporting pupils in their education and development and we are confident Thomas Franks is the perfect partner for us.

“We were really impressed with how their values and aspirations align with those of Wellington School and we are excited about working with the Thomas Franks team in developing our new catering provision”