A level grants programme to boost maths/physics teacher recruitment

It is a DfE priority to develop a great workforce with strong leadership. This programme specifically contributes to this priority by increasing the number of specialist maths and physics teachers in the classroom.

On 8 December 2014, the Prime Minister announced a five-year commitment to fund a package of policies to address the shortfall in STEM teachers. The A level grants programme (“the Programme”) is part of the wider package of initiatives, and will be a prestigious new scheme to encourage high-quality A level students to select maths- and physics-related degrees and go into teaching, at a time when we can influence both their choice of degree and career.

We will be looking for students with a clear commitment to teaching and a strong academic record in their chosen subject. In return, students will receive financial support while studying toward their undergraduate maths- or physics related degree, gain school experience and receive additional training while still at university.

Students are then guaranteed a place on on-the-job teacher training, subject to completing their studies and meeting the entry requirements for initial teacher training (ITT). No other route into teaching offers financial support and the chance to earn a salary in their training year.

This programme presents an opportunity to engage with and recruit high-quality A level maths and physics students, to develop them into outstanding teachers who will be retained in the profession and will have a positive impact on children and young people. To deliver the high-quality programme by the proposed options, it is necessary to combine outstanding recruitment, development of additional undergraduate level training with the very best of the expertise in the ITT sector.

This programme will run nationally. The anticipated maximum whole life contract cost will be up to a maximum value of £16,479,000 GBP (inclusive of all expenses and VAT at prevailing UK rate).

Additional information: This notice pertains to the award of a contract for which the duration of a maximum of 108 months (and is expected to be from contract award in October 2015, subject to the agreement of DfE Ministers). The contract will include: recruiting and delivering 3 cohorts, between 2015 and 2024.

To cover the possibility of a member of an intake deferring, the Contract may be extended from the expiry of the Initial Term for a further period of up to a maximum of 12 months (or any part thereof) to accommodate delivery of the Programme (subject to continued support and funding by government.) The Department reserve the right to terminate any agreement should funding be withdrawn, changed or there is an significant change in government policy relating to the delivery of the programme and outputs required as part of this contract, by giving 3 months' notice. Indicative key dates for this procurement activity. 9 July 2015 - issue of Invitation to bid via REDIMO2 18 August 2015, 11.00 - deadline date for bids October 2015 - indicative contract start (subject to agreement with DfE ministers) Registration for the procurement.

This procurement will be run through an e-procurement system REDIMO2. REDIMO2 is NCTL's e-procurement system, used for contracting for most works, goods and services that are awarded following an electronic competitive tendering process.

If your organisation is interested in participating in this procurement (RFx105) you will need to register on REDIMO2 (If you are not already). Please register at: https://www.gov.uk/nctl-e-procurement-system-redimo.

Once the Invitation to Bid is launched it will be visible for bidders to respond. This Invitation to Bid will be launched on Thursday 9 July 2015.

All Tender documentation will be made available from REDIMO2 and Bidders should ensure that they have read all documentation prior to submitting a response. Clarification questions will be answered either at the Bidders' events (see details below), or through responses available through REDIMO.

NCTL will be holding two face-to-face information meetings for potential bidders. These will run on Tuesday 14 July in Manchester (13.00-15.00) and Wednesday 15 July in London (15.30-17.30).

If you would like to attend either meeting, please email A-Level.GRANTS@education.gsi.gov.uk. Places will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis.