Enhancing in-house catering with strategic procurement support from allmanhall
Overview
Repton School, a prestigious co-educational independent school in Derbyshire, delivers catering across 12 kitchens, including 10 boarding houses, as well as a busy prep school, and numerous events and commercial lets. While the School has always maintained in-house catering operations, it previously benefited from the advisory support of an external contractor. In 2024, under the direction of newly appointed Chief Operating Officer, Sarah Greig, Repton re-evaluated its approach to procurement and operational support.
The decision to enhance internal control and improve value led Repton to re-engage with allmanhall – their previously longstanding procurement partners and specialists in strategic foodservice consultancy.
A strategic review of catering operations
Seeking clarity on potential improvements, Repton invited allmanhall to undertake a comprehensive, CIPS-compliant like-for-like benchmark review. This analysis identified that by shifting procurement back to allmanhall while retaining their in-house model, Repton could achieve a 21% cost saving, alongside improved visibility and operational flexibility.
Crucially, the evaluation process respected the existing relationship Repton had with their previous support provider. The review focused purely on data, quality, and value, enabling an informed decision without affecting positive professional ties.
The result: savings, support, and seamless mobilisation
Reassured by the findings and allmanhall’s track record, Repton School reinstated their partnership. allmanhall swiftly mobilised key suppliers ahead of the new academic year and developed a phased plan to onboard additional suppliers over the following twelve months. Their proactive management ensured that Repton was not only saving money but also gaining greater visibility, choice, and control.
Repton’s catering team, already experienced and highly capable, received onboarding and training on allmanhall’s comprehensive catering controls platform. This system enables full stocktaking, electronic ordering across suppliers, recipe costings with nutritional detail, and total spend transparency. Consolidated billing further simplified administration, reducing processing costs and freeing up valuable staff time.
The success of the transition was made possible thanks to Repton School’s excellent, talented and dedicated in-house catering team. Their professionalism and commitment, combined with allmanhall’s procurement expertise and support, ensured a smooth and effective mobilisation.
With a dedicated Client Relationship Manager and a responsive Client Support Advisor always available, allmanhall has become an integral part of Repton’s operations – effectively acting as an extension of their in-house catering team.
Strategic and cultural alignment
allmanhall’s flexible framework supports the wider Repton family of schools – Repton School, Repton Prep, St Wystan’s School and Marlborough House Vinehall – aligning with their strategic growth and educational values.
Beyond the day-to-day operational support, Repton benefits from access to a programme of enrichment and professional development. This has included: allergen training delivered by allmanhall’s Registered Dietitian; a Vegetarian Express tasting day; tailored sports nutrition sessions for students; a wild foraging experience in Yorkshire; and engaging, interactive sustainability sessions for students and a Waste Knot farm visit in Worcestershire.
A trusted, long-term partner
The transition has been a positive evolution – not a departure from previous arrangements, but a natural next step in Repton’s continuous improvement journey.
With data-led insight, dependable support, and a shared commitment to excellence, allmanhall is helping Repton cater confidently today while preparing strategically for tomorrow.
Watch Royal Russell School’s case study here for another example of allmanhall’s full support for in house independent education catering teams.