Planning

AI Tutoring Tools for Education

DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

19 Feb 2026 at 15:41

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
PlanningUpdate

18 Feb 2026 at 17:21

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

13 Feb 2026 at 14:11

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Education, based in London, United Kingdom, is currently planning a procurement process focused on the development of AI tutoring tools for education. This initiative aims to gather market insights to refine the government’s approach to adopting curriculum-aligned, AI-powered tutoring tools that support disadvantaged pupils while maintaining robust safeguarding measures. The procurement stage is in planning, with a pre-market engagement session scheduled for 18th February 2026. Suppliers are encouraged to register interest by 17th February 2026 to participate in discussions via Microsoft Teams. The overall contract period is anticipated to start on 15th June 2026 and conclude by 14th May 2028, with possible extensions until May 2029. The procurement falls under the information technology services category with an estimated value of £1.5 million to £1.8 million.

This tender presents substantial business growth opportunities for entities specialising in information technology services, particularly those capable of developing innovative AI solutions. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) are deemed suitable for this procurement, providing an inclusive opportunity to collaborate on creating high-quality educational tools. Companies with expertise in AI development, data integration, and scaling educational technologies will find this tender especially relevant. Engaging in the pre-market activities and providing comprehensive responses to the Request for Information could establish competitive standing and inform future commercial strategies beneficial for both the Department and the participating businesses.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

AI Tutoring Tools for Education

Notice Description

Purpose of the Engagement The Department is engaging with the market to gather insight that will help shape thinking around the development of safe, curriculum-aligned AI tutoring tools. This work follows the government's commitment to explore how AI-powered tutoring tools, co-designed with teachers and aligned to the National Curriculum could support disadvantaged pupils and complement high-quality teaching.

Planning Information

Aims of the Pre‑Market Engagement 1. Present the Policy Context and Emerging Vision We will outline the government’s intent to support the development of safe, trusted AI tutoring tools that enhance learning while maintaining strong safeguards and preserving the central role of teachers. 2. Gather Insight from the Market The Department is seeking active feedback to improve its understanding of: a. Key Development Challenges Obstacles suppliers face in creating safe, effective, curriculum‑aligned tools, particularly those designed to support disadvantaged pupils. b. Opportunities for Collaboration -How government and industry can work together on shared challenges, including: -Safety and safeguarding expectations -Evidence generation and evaluation -Data integration and interoperability with school systems -Approaches to scaling solutions nationally These areas relate to the government’s ambition for tools to be co‑developed with teachers, robustly tested, and aligned with the National Curriculum ahead of any potential wider use. 3. Inform Future Commercial Thinking Feedback from suppliers, including responses to a forthcoming Request for Information, will help the Department consider potential future commercial options. This may include defining scope, delivery models, and possible commercial approaches that would support the safe and equitable adoption of AI tutoring tools. The pre-market engagement will be carried out via the Microsoft Teams on 18/02/2026 between 14:00 and 15:55 (full time may not be needed, but please be there from the start). Interested suppliers should register their interest and by completing the following Microsoft Form. Please submit the form by 17/02/2026 at 17:00 to guarantee an invite to the event: https://forms.office.com/e/3qeamCCH59

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-065408
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/015370-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

CPV Codes

72222300 - Information technology services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,500,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
19 Feb 20263 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
11 Mar 20263 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
14 Jun 2026 - 14 May 2028 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
commercial.ddat@education.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1P 3BT
Post Town
South West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Further Information

Notice Documents

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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