Planning

LLE Evaluation

DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

23 Oct 2025 at 07:51

Planned Procurement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department For Education is currently in the planning stage for a procurement titled "LLE Evaluation" with a focus on research and development services and related consultancy services within the education sector. This public procurement pertains to a significant initiative evaluating the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE), set to transform the higher education funding landscape in England. The planning documents indicate that a virtual market engagement event is scheduled for 24th November 2025, providing prospective bidders a platform to gather further information and engage directly. The contract is primarily located in England, and the current status is focused on early engagement, with an important milestone being the engagement end date on 21st November 2025.

This tender represents a substantial opportunity for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs), to contribute to a pivotal educational policy evaluation. Businesses specialising in consultancy, research, and analytical services will find this opportunity particularly appealing, given its scope and potential impact on education policy. The procurement process is set to employ a market engagement approach, ideal for firms equipped with the capability to undertake thorough evaluations using mixed methods, including primary research. Participation in such a tender could provide an inroad to future government contracts and significantly enhance a company's portfolio within the public sector.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

LLE Evaluation

Notice Description

Lifelong learning entitlement (LLE) Market Engagement The LLE will launch in AY26/27 where it will replace higher education (HE) student finance loans and advanced learner loans (ALLs) for levels 4 - 6, creating a single funding system. From September 2026, learners will be able to apply for LLE funding for the first time for courses and modules starting from January 2027 onwards. From its launch, the LLE loan will be available for: * full courses at level 4 to 6, such as degrees, technical qualifications, and designated distance-learning and online courses * modules of high-value technical courses (HTQs) at level 4 to 5 * modules from full level 6 qualifications - for example, degrees - that align to: * priority skills needs * the government's industrial strategy Under the LLE, eligible learners will be able to access: * a tuition fee loan, with new learners able to access up to the full entitlement of PS38,140 - equal to 4 years of study based on academic year 2025 to 2026 fee rates * a maintenance loan to cover living costs, for courses with in-person attendance Financial help will also be available for: * learners with disabilities * support with childcare An additional entitlement will be available for priority subjects or longer courses, such as medicine degrees. Learners will be able to see their loan balance through their own LLE personal account hosted by the Student Loans Company (SLC). Market Engagement Event We will be holding a virtual market engagement event on Monday 24th November 2025 (11am-12 noon) to provide more information about the contract and answer questions about the survey. If you would like to attend please forward your email address to Sarah.HORSELL@education.gov.uk and you will be sent a meeting invitation. Additional information: LLE evaluation The aim of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) evaluation is to assess how well LLE has met its objectives; it will provide analysis and commentary on the success and effectiveness of the LLE and determine whether the intervention was well-targeted, cost-effective, whether desired outcomes have been achieved, and examine any unintended consequences. Data and evidence will also inform the benefits management case and the post-implementation review in academic year (AY) 31/32. The evaluation will feature impact, process, and value for money (VfM) approaches. For the first 6 years (academic year (AY) 26/27- 31/32) the evaluation will conduct a process and theory-based impact evaluation, before carrying out VfM analysis in AY 36/37. In AY 31/32 a separate feasibility study will be commissioned to assess the possibility of quasi-experimental (QE) methods to measure the impact of LLE on learners, which, if possible, would be conducted in AY 36/37. Initially, the DfE would like to let a contract for a theory-based impact evaluation (TBIE) and process evaluation of the LLE. The process evaluation will give insight on the implementation of LLE, the successes and challenges of delivery and lessons learnt from the perspective of learners, providers, the Student Loans Company (SLC), the Office for Students (OfS) and DfE colleagues. A mixed methods approach drawing on DfE administrative datasets and primary research will enable this. Similarly, the TBIE will use mixed methods and DfE administrative datasets and primary research to test both causal claims within the theory of change (ToC) and the alternative theories generated. This will enable an assessment of the contribution that LLE has made to measured outcomes. Market Engagement Event We will be holding a virtual market engagement event on Monday 24th November 2025 (11am-12 noon) to provide more information about the contract and answer questions about the survey. If you would like to attend please forward your email address to Sarah.HORSELL@education.gov.uk and you will be sent a meeting invitation.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-83eff011-e629-429d-b6c4-2d39e95a7942
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/90c25f56-3e34-4fa8-9275-1012fec1b6eb
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

73000000 - Research and development services and related 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
23 Oct 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
21 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)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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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