Technical & Vocational Subject Teaching Professional Development

Procurement description

The Department for Education (DfE) intends to procure a supplier to design and deliver a national Professional Development (PD) and organisational support programme to support providers delivering technical and vocational qualifications, including T Levels, V Levels and Level 2 Pathways. The contract will begin on 1 June 2026 with delivery commencing from 1 September 2026. The contract will run for run for three years until 31 May 2029, with an option to extend for a further one year to 31 May 2030.

The programme will provide evidence based subject specific and pedagogical training for teachers, industry led upskilling sessions to ensure teaching reflects current industry practice, and regional collaboration networks to support peer learning and sustainable processes. In addition, the supplier will deliver organisational support for leaders and other provider staff to help providers plan, implement, and scale their technical and vocational offer in line with qualification reform and wider 16–19 pathways.

The contract will involve a blend of pre recorded materials, live online sessions and in person activity. Significant new content development is expected as specifications for new qualifications become available. Delivery must align with wider FE workforce reforms, including evidence led PD principles.

The planned procurement will include social value as part of the evaluation criteria weighted at 10% and will cover MAC2a: Learning and skills development opportunities relevant to the contract to address skills gaps, in relation to PPN002 "Taking account of social value in the award of central government contracts”.

DfE intends to run an Open Procedure, with the Invitation to Tender planned for publication on 26 January 2026.

The DfE is keen to maximise opportunities to participate in procurement for Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs). Consideration will also be given to consortia and collaborative bids from all forms of organisations.

Main category

Services

Total value (estimated, excluding VAT)

15000000.00 GBP to 15000000.00GBP

Contract dates (estimated)

01 June 2026, 00:00AM to 31 August 2029, 23:59PM

Extension end date (if all the extensions are used): 31 August 2030

Department for Education

Procedure type

Open procedure

Is this procurement under a special regime?

Light touch

Is the total value above threshold?

Above threshold

CPV classifications

• 80570000 - Personal development training services

Lot value (estimated)

15000000.00 GBP Excluding VAT

18000000.00 GBP Including VAT

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

01 June 2026, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 August 2029, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

31 August 2030, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Description of extensions

Potential 1 year extension

Payment terms

Payment will be made monthly in arrears, with invoices checked against the agreed delivery plan before approval. Delivery will be verified through evidence based checks, including sample reviews, participant feedback, and learning platform data. Payments will be released only for approved and evidenced milestones. Valid, undisputed invoices will be paid within 30 days. Performance will be monitored against KPIs, with service credits applied where required

Publication date of tender notice (estimated)

26 January 2026

Tender submission deadline

04 March 2026, 23:59PM

Enquiry deadline

12 February 2026, 23:59PM

Date of award of contract

13 May 2026, 23:59PM

May tenders be submitted electronically?

Yes

Languages that may be used for submission

• English