£4bn academies framework opens to bids

A £4bn academies framework that aims to bring more SMEs into the government's school-building programme has gone out to tender.

Partnerships for Schools (PfS) is inviting contractors to bid for up to 24 places on the framework, which will procure the design and build of educational schemes in local authorities not yet involved in Building Schools for the Future.

It said it wanted to attract medium-sized firms with a background in school building as well as the bigger players. Successful contractors and their supply chains are expected to be in place and bidding for work by the end of the year.

Tim Byles, chief executive of PfS, said: “The new contractor framework has been designed specifically to open up the opportunities to all contractors with a track record of delivering secondary schools or similar projects, enabling smaller regional bidders, as well as larger national firms to get involved.”

The framework has been split into two geographical areas. The first includes the north-west and north-east England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the east and west Midlands. The second comprises the east, south-east, south-west and London.

Up to 12 names will be allocated to each and firms are allowed to bid for one or both of the regions.

Byles added: “The new contractor framework offers a great opportunity for all sectors of the construction industry, particularly at a time when conditions are undeniably tough.

“With over 127 academies being delivered through BSF currently, with over 100 more in the pipeline, the new framework will enable contractors and suppliers from across the country to get involved in a scheme that has a predictable flow of work, supported by direct grant government funding.”

An Official Journal notice was issued on Friday but will not be visible to the market until Tuesday.

Local authorities already engaged in the BSF programme will continue to procure academies through Local Education Partnerships (LEPs).