THE SPENCER ACADEMIES TRUST has published a procurement opportunity for grounds maintenance services with an estimated value of £652,000. The submission deadline is 20 May 2026, giving eligible UK suppliers a limited window to prepare and submit bids through the official Find a Tender portal.

Published on 2026-04-08, this contract is open to suitably qualified suppliers across the United Kingdom. All businesses interested in bidding should review the full tender documentation and confirm they meet all eligibility requirements before the closing date.

Contract overview

The enclosed invitation to tender provides information for consideration by contractors with respect to the following Trust sites: Arnold Hill Spencer Academy, Ashwood Spencer Academy, Bispham Spencer Academy, Brackensdale Spencer Academy, Castleward Spencer Academy, Chellaston Fields Spencer Academy, Chetwynd Spencer Academy, Clover Leys Spencer Academy, Derby Moor Spencer Academy, Fairfield Spencer Academy, George Spencer Academy, Glenbrook Spencer Academy, Heanor Gate Spencer Academy, Highfields Spencer Academy, Hilton Spencer Academy, Inkersall Spencer Academy, John Port Spencer Academy, Long Field Spencer Academy, Millside Spencer Academy, Portland Spencer Academy, Rosecliffe Spencer Academy, Rushcliffe Spencer Academy, St Giles' Spencer Academy, Sunnyside Spencer Academy, The Mease Spencer Academy, Wyndham Spencer Academy Spencer Academy Trust is seeking an expert groundworks contractor(s) to help us with maintaining the Academy sports fields and communal areas within our Academy sites. Spencer Trust academies are found across three counties and five local authority areas. Working across highly diverse city and rural communities, the Spencer Academies Trust has a strong track record of school improvement and a reputation for high expectations and standards in member schools.

THE SPENCER ACADEMIES TRUST is the contracting authority for this procurement. The estimated contract value is £652,000 and the submission deadline is 20 May 2026. Suppliers should download the full specification from the official portal before preparing a bid.

Is your business eligible?

This contract is most relevant to businesses with relevant experience and qualifications. Suppliers typically need to demonstrate experience delivering similar contracts, appropriate financial standing for a contract of £652,000, and hold relevant professional certifications and insurance.

Under the Procurement Act 2023, THE SPENCER ACADEMIES TRUST must actively consider SME participation. Check whether this contract has been structured into lots accessible to smaller businesses.

• Proven track record in professional services contracts of comparable scope
• Financial standing appropriate for a £652,000 contract
• Relevant certifications: relevant professional certifications and insurance
• Capacity to mobilise within THE SPENCER ACADEMIES TRUST’s required timeframe
• Ability to meet the 20 May 2026 submission deadline

How to submit a bid

• Step 1 — Access the notice: Visit Find a Tender at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/031681-2026
• Step 2 — Register free: Create or log in to your supplier account
• Step 3 — Download documents: Read the full ITT before preparing your response
• Step 4 — Raise clarifications: Submit questions early — Q&A typically closes 1–2 weeks before the deadline
• Step 5 — Submit before 20 May 2026: Late submissions are not accepted under UK procurement rules

What the buyer will evaluate

THE SPENCER ACADEMIES TRUST will assess all compliant bids against published criteria. For professional services contracts, buyers typically apply a 60% quality and 40% price weighting. Under the Procurement Act 2023, social value is a mandatory evaluation criterion — demonstrate specific, costed commitments to local employment, skills, or environmental sustainability.

Writing a winning bid

The most common reason bids fail is generic content that does not address the buyer’s specific requirements. THE SPENCER ACADEMIES TRUST has stated precise objectives — your bid must demonstrate you have read and understood them.

• Lead with an executive summary addressing THE SPENCER ACADEMIES TRUST’s objectives directly
• Provide two or more case studies with measurable outcomes
• Include specific, costed social value commitments
• Price to win but ensure your margin covers full delivery
• Submit at least 24 hours before 20 May 2026

Key dates and next steps

The submission deadline is 20 May 2026. Competitive bids for professional services contracts require two to three weeks of preparation. Following submission, THE SPENCER ACADEMIES TRUST will typically complete evaluation within four to eight weeks.

• Download all documents from Find a Tender today
• Confirm your organisation meets all eligibility requirements
• Assign a bid lead and set internal milestones now
• Submit clarification questions as early as possible

Frequently asked questions

Can SMEs bid for this contract?

Yes. The Procurement Act 2023 requires THE SPENCER ACADEMIES TRUST to consider SME suitability and remove unnecessary barriers. Check for lots designed to be accessible to smaller businesses.

Is registration on the portal free?

Yes. Registering as a supplier on Find a Tender is completely free.

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Late submissions are not accepted. The 20 May 2026 deadline is absolute. Submit at least 24 hours early.

How long does evaluation take?

THE SPENCER ACADEMIES TRUST will notify all bidders once evaluation is complete. Allow four to eight weeks from the submission deadline.

Where are the full tender documents?

All documents are on the official Find a Tender listing at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/031681-2026. Always use the official source.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify all details on the official procurement portal before submitting a bid. Kael Tripton is not affiliated with or endorsed by THE SPENCER ACADEMIES TRUST or the UK government.