Chartwells Schools has been reappointed by East Sussex County Council as its school meals provider following a competitive tender process.
The new agreement began on 1 August 2026 and will see Chartwells continue to provide freshly prepared meals across primary, secondary and special schools throughout East Sussex.
The partnership will focus on nutrition, food education, sustainability and consistent service delivery across participating schools.
Chartwells will provide meals that meet School Food Standards alongside a rolling three-week menu which will be updated twice each year.
Tailored allergen-managed menus will also be available, overseen by specialist nutrition teams.
Schools will receive support from dedicated area managers, regular site visits and termly meetings with headteachers as part of the contract.
Chartwells will also expand its Beyond the Chartwells Kitchen programme across East Sussex.
The initiative provides interactive workshops designed to help pupils develop knowledge and practical skills around nutrition, cooking, sustainability and wellbeing.
Sessions will be supported by qualified nutritionists alongside a chef-led food ambassador working directly with pupils, staff and families.
Sustainability initiatives will also be expanded across participating schools, including carbon labelling on menus, sustainability-themed weeks and responsible sourcing measures.
Chartwells will additionally develop environmental roadmaps aimed at reducing the carbon footprint associated with delivery of the contract.
Johnny Parish, Soft FM and Contracts Services Manager at East Sussex County Council, said: “Following a robust and competitive procurement process, we are confident that Chartwells will continue to deliver a high-quality and consistent school meals service that reflects our values and supports the needs of our school communities.
“This partnership represents important momentum in nutrition, sustainability, education, and the overall pupil experience and we feel assured that Chartwells has the proposition, systems, processes and team to deliver.”
Lisa Priestley, Chief Executive Officer at Chartwells Schools, added: “We’re delighted to have been reappointed by East Sussex Council to continue delivering catering services across its schools.
“This move represents the strength of our relationship, built around a shared ambition and commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive and nutritious meals for every pupil.
“It’s about building on the strong foundations we have established around sustainability, food education, and nutrition.
“We will continue to work collaboratively to reach even more children with quality, scratch-cooked nutritious meals; all while delivering great value to schools, children, and parents.”
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