Chartwells renews six-year contract with Berkhamsted Schools Group

Education caterer Chartwells has renewed its catering contract with independent education provider Berkhamsted Schools Group.

The contract, which began in 2019, was re-entered via pre-empt tender and will see the Compass-owned caterer provide school meals to over 2,700 pupils and staff in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire for a further six years.

Alongside providing school meals to the groups’ six independent schools and nursery, Chartwells has introduced a range of food concepts, including working with boarding international pupils to serve ‘home away from home’ dishes and delivering a street food-style offering to Berkhamsted’s new sixth form, which opened in April 2025.

It also supports the school group with sporting events, breakfasts for external guests, and weddings.

Noelle Jones, managing director at Chartwells Independent, said: “We’re proud to be extending our long-standing partnership with Berkhamsted Schools Group. Our renewed contract is a nod to how we’ve built a truly collaborative relationship focused on delivering an outstanding dining experience for pupils – one that not only provides nutritious, great-tasting food, but also helps them develop a lifelong understanding of healthy eating and sustainability.

“We’re excited to continue working with Berkhamsted’s team and pupils to evolve the food experience in the years ahead.”

Julian Anthony, chief operating officer at Berkhamsted Schools Group, said the group was "delighted to be continuing our partnership with Chartwells Independent".

She said the caterer has "become a valued extension of our school community, always listening to feedback and willing to go the extra mile". 

It comes after Chartwells recently secured catering contracts with five schools within the Cheshire-based Halliard Trust following a tender process, and that it also secured a catering contract with University of Kent’s Canterbury campus.

The financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.