Chartwells partners with five schools in Cheshire

Education caterer Chartwells has secured catering contracts with five schools within the Cheshire-based Halliard Trust following a tender process.

As part of the deal, the Compass Group-owned division feeds students at the Broken Cross Primary Academy and Nursery, Adlington Primary School, Gawsworth Primary School, Nether Alderley Primary School and Whirley Primary School.

Previously, these schools relied on the council’s school meal service, which stopped this spring.

The announcement comes soon after the caterer secured contracts with eight schools in the Chester Diocesan Academies Trust this April.

Pupils across the Halliard Trust are also encouraged to participate in Beyond the Chartwells Kitchen sessions, which are a series of curriculum-linked workshops offering tips on how to improve health and wellbeing.

Lisa Priestley, managing director at Chartwells, said: “We are proud to support the Halliard Trust and deliver a service that not only meets high operational standards but also contributes meaningfully to pupil wellbeing and educational outcomes. We remain committed to supporting the long-term success of the education catering sector, and to working in partnership with our growing number of partner schools to nourish learning through nutritious food and impactful food education.”

Donna Lewis, headteacher at Broken Cross Primary Academy and Nursery, added: “We’re really pleased with how smoothly the transition to Chartwells has gone. The support from our Trust’s central team has been invaluable in ensuring everything was in place from day one. For many of our children, particularly those entitled to free school meals, a hot, nutritious lunch is vital – and it’s reassuring to know they’re receiving high-quality meals in a welcoming environment.”

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.