Planning

Longitudinal Study of Pupils with SEND

DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

11 Nov 2025 at 12:10

Planned Procurement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Education in the United Kingdom is currently in the planning stage of a new tender titled "Longitudinal Study of Pupils with SEND." This initiative focuses on researching the experiences and outcomes of young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across England. The procurement, classified under research and development consultancy services within the CPV category, anticipates beginning in the summer of 2026 and concluding in spring 2030, with a maximum budget of approximately £14.5 million. Key milestones include an engagement end date by 30th November 2025, and market engagement events are scheduled for 27th November and 1st December 2025. The project aims to collect data from three distinct cohorts, starting with pupils aged 4-5 in 2027 and extending up to those aged 15-16 in 2029, using a mixed-mode approach to ensure inclusivity and comprehensive engagement.

This tender presents substantial opportunities for businesses with expertise in longitudinal research and inclusive methodologies, particularly those focusing on SEND. With a significant budget and requirements for a high level of expertise, this project is ideal for organisations or consortiums experienced in conducting large-scale studies involving young people and SEND populations. Such businesses could benefit immensely by contributing valuable insights that could shape future education policies. Additionally, the tender is open to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs), making it accessible to a diverse range of competitors aiming to expand their portfolios in educational research and development services.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Longitudinal Study of Pupils with SEND

Notice Description

Longitudinal Study of Pupils with SEND - Market engagement information The Department for Education is interested in launching a new cohort study that aims to provide high quality, longitudinal evidence on the experiences and outcomes of young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England. This would build on lessons from the previously commissioned 'SEND Futures Discovery Phase' study - which tested the feasibility of conducting a longitudinal study of pupils with SEND and their parents. Reports for this study can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-futures-longitudinal-study-discovery-phase The study would follow up to 3 cohorts of pupils with SEND, with particular focus on how experiences and outcomes differ by: SEN type, education setting type and SEN provision type. Data from large samples of young people and parents across a range of SEN types and age groups would help generate valuable information for policymaking. The following cohorts and timelines are anticipated: * Cohort 1 - starting around age 4-5 (reception) following annually from 2027 * Cohort 2 - starting around age 10-11 (year 6) following annually from 2028 * Cohort 3 - starting around age 15-16 (year 11) following annually from 2029 A mixed mode approach is anticipated, to ensure accessibility and inclusion of a range of participants. Face-to-face fieldwork will be particularly important to ensure engagement and face-to-face fieldwork for all waves should be expected for some participants. For cohort 1, data would be collected from the parents of sampled pupils at every wave. Pupil data collection will start at an appropriate child age. Teacher reports may be collected at one or more waves. For cohort 2, data would be collected from sampled pupils and parents at every wave. Teacher reports may be collected at one or more waves. A suitable team for this project would have a wealth of expertise and experience spanning longitudinal studies and complex sampling. Experience and expertise of inclusive research with children and young people with a range of special educational needs and disabilities would be of equal importance. Consortium bids would be encouraged to enable the formation of well-integrated teams with both longitudinal and SEND expertise that can deliver high quality fieldwork to agreed timelines. The project would likely initially run from Summer 2026 - Spring 2030. A maximum budget of approximately PS14.5M is anticipated . Additional information: We will be hosting 2 market engagement events where we will share an overview of the project followed by a discussion. Both sessions will cover the same content. Sessions will be hosted online, via Microsoft Teams on: * Thursday 27th November at 12:00 - 13:00 * Monday 1st December at 14:00 - 15:00 If you would like to attend, please email SEND.longitudinal@education.gov.uk letting us know your name, organisation and which date you wish to attend. Please note: This session is for market engagement only and is intended as an early-stage discussion to gauge interest and gather feedback. It does not represent a guaranteed or confirmed procurement opportunity.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-3cb814ee-a255-4745-bd6c-a9e9d4786b5b
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/dcf9b043-8ae0-412a-9306-131a43cefdec
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Planned Procurement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Not specified
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

73200000 - Research and development consultancy services

73210000 - Research consultancy services

73220000 - Development consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
11 Nov 20256 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
30 Nov 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
MANCHESTER
Postcode
M1 2WD
Post Town
Manchester
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD3 Greater Manchester
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD33 Manchester
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLF East Midlands (England), TLG West Midlands (England), TLH East (England), TLJ South East (England), TLK South West (England)
Local Authority
Manchester
Electoral Ward
Piccadilly
Westminster Constituency
Manchester Central

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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