National Professional Qualifications Delivery Framework

The Department for Education (DfE) is procuring a multi-supplier Framework by means of an Open Procurement process, for a four year term, for the provision of National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) for Teachers. The procurement is covered by regulations 74 - 76 (The Light Touch Regime).

Both the DfE and Schools will be able to make call offs under the Framework. Providers appointed to the framework will lead the delivery of NPQs from September 2021.Providers will do this by providing schools and teachers with access to the reformed suite of NPQs which includes a NPQH additional support offer for new Head Teachers.

It is anticipated that DfE will appoint successful Providers to a national Framework Agreement. Under the terms of the Framework Agreement, the DfE and schools will be permitted to make specific purchases (Call Offs) from providers within a four-year term.

The number of Providers appointed to the Framework is not limited but in order to be appointed Potential Providers must pass a Quality Threshold, as set out in the procurement documents. It is anticipated that the framework agreement will commence in April 2021 with set up call offs awarded shortly thereafter.

Successful Providers that are awarded a set up call off will need to design their curriculum content and establish their delivery model in readiness for cohorts starting in September 2021 and February 2022. The full details of the service requirements are set out in the procurement documents.

Additional information: The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 apply to this procurement (the "Regulations"). The Authority is using the Open Procedure in accordance with Regulation 27 of the Regulations.

Services of the nature of those covered by this procurement are designated as "Schedule 3" Services (the Social and Other Specific Services) under the Regulations and as such are not subject to the full requirements of the Regulations. The Authority is only bound by the application of the Regulations to the extent that they are applicable to Schedule 3 services.

The procurement is covered by Regulations 74 to 76 (the Light Touch Regime). Educational establishments that meet with the criteria listed below will be entitled (but not obliged) to access the framework at any time during the Contract Period.

Academy 16 to 19 sponsor led Academy 16-19 converter Academy alternative provision converter Academy alternative provision sponsor led Academy converter Academy special converter Academy special sponsor led Academy sponsor led City technology college Community school Community special school Foundation school Foundation special school Free schools Free schools 16 to 19 Free schools alternative provision Free schools special Local authority nursery school Non-maintained special school Pupil referral unit Studio schools University technical college Voluntary aided school Voluntary controlled school British schools overseas Higher education institutions Independent schools Welsh establishment Miscellaneous Offshore schools Secure units Other independent school Other independent special school Service children's education Sixth form centres Special post 16 institution Further education/ Further education and sixth form colleges which receive state funding for 16-19 education from the ESFA Institution funded by other Government Department Other international schools* *As defined by schools overseas which do not fit into other categories above The current list of educational establishments that meet with one or more of the criteria listed above can be found at: https://www.get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/ The DfE recognises that Providers may need to build their capacity and delivery partnerships over the term of the Framework Agreement. Therefore, DfE is proposing to create flexibility for providers to add new delivery partners once they are appointed to the Framework.

To encourage the formation of initial delivery partnerships, the DfE intends to host networking events with successful Providers and potential delivery partners w/c 12 April 2021. Further details on these events will be provided in due course.