Planning

Soft Market Test - Education Systems

STOCKPORT METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

25 Feb 2026 at 09:29

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council is currently in the planning stage for a procurement process concerning the development and implementation of education systems. The council, located in Stockport, United Kingdom, is undertaking a soft market test, scheduled to end on 31st March 2026. The initiative is led by the council's Education Service, aiming to explore current capabilities, innovations, and cost models in the market for education case management systems as the existing Synergy system contract approaches its expiry in March 2028. The primary focus is on the educational software package industry category, with the procurement type classified under services. This preliminary market engagement notice, published on 25th February 2026, is part of the council's strategic planning to ensure continued effective support for children, families, schools, and the wider community.

This soft market testing exercise presents a valuable opportunity for businesses specialising in educational software and software development services. It is designed to engage suppliers early, allowing them to showcase their products, innovations, and delivery capabilities. As the council is examining alternative solutions to enhance their strategic objectives and service delivery, businesses that offer cutting-edge educational technology and cost-efficient service models are well-suited to benefit from this engagement. While this is not a competition call, participation offers businesses the chance to influence the council’s future specifications, forging potential partnerships with public authorities and contributing to significant community impact.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Soft Market Test - Education Systems

Notice Description

Published via the CHEST Portal Ref DN806303 Stockport Council's Education Service has relied on the Synergy system for case management since September 2015. While Synergy has supported our core processes, the education landscape and technology have evolved considerably since its implementation. As our contract approaches expiry in March 2028, we want to ensure our systems continue to meet the needs of children, families, schools, and the wider community. We are therefore undertaking a soft market testing exercise to: * Understand the current capabilities, innovations, and cost models available in the market for education case management systems. * Assess whether alternative solutions could better support our strategic objectives, improve service delivery, and offer better value for money. * Inform the development of a robust specification for any future procurement, ensuring it reflects both our operational requirements and the latest market offerings. * Engage with suppliers early to gauge interest, gather feedback, and identify potential delivery partners who can help us achieve our ambitions. This exercise is not a call for competition, but an opportunity for the Council to gather intelligence and shape our approach to market engagement and procurement

Planning Information

Soft Market Test, ending 31st March 2026

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-065ba8
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/016731-2026
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
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

48 - Software package and information systems

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

CPV Codes

48190000 - Educational software package

72212190 - Educational software development services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£10 Under £100K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
25 Feb 20264 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
31 Mar 20265 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2026 24 hours
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
STOCKPORT METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
STOCKPORT
Postcode
SK1 3XE
Post Town
Stockport
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD3 Greater Manchester
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD35 Greater Manchester South East
Delivery Location
TLD North West (England)
Local Authority
Stockport
Electoral Ward
Brinnington & Stockport Central
Westminster Constituency
Stockport

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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