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City College Plymouth: Subcontracting 26/27

City College Plymouth

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

23 Mar 2026 at 09:14

UK4 - Tender Notice
TenderUpdate

18 Mar 2026 at 12:57

UK4 - Tender Notice
Tender

11 Mar 2026 at 16:54

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The subcontracting tender process by City College Plymouth seeks to enhance educational opportunities by offering a diverse range of programmes for the 2026/27 academic year. This procurement process falls under the education and training services category and is segmented into three lots focusing on specialised delivery, sports courses, and e-sports, within the South West region of the United Kingdom. City College Plymouth, classified as a public authority under sub-central government, is using an open procedure with a "light touch" contract to ensure accelerated procurement. Key dates include a tender period ending on 27 March 2026 and an award period extending to 10 May 2026, with contracts running from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2027. Interested parties must submit tenders in English, with electronic submissions not permitted.

This tender presents significant business growth opportunities for organisations specialising in education, training, niche markets, and emerging sectors. Businesses with expertise in adult and children's care, animal care, IT, beauty therapy, business, sports, and e-sports will find ample prospects to expand their operations. The College’s strategic aim to use subcontracting to better meet learner needs, including supporting disadvantaged groups and promoting geographic accessibility, aligns well with providers that offer innovative educational delivery, elite sports facilities, or high-end e-sports setups. The tender is a favourable opportunity for those with previous contract experience in similar educational roles or those possessing niche expertise and supportive environments for vulnerable learners. Relationships with employers and the capacity to deliver bespoke qualifications will be advantageous in competing for these lots.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

City College Plymouth: Subcontracting 26/27

Notice Description

The DFE guidance for 2026/27 requires the College to carry out a tendering process prior to the allocation of sub-contracting contracts. This applies to both the study programme and adult provision. City College Plymouth is committed to growing and diversifying the range of programmes and opportunities we deliver to widen participation, deliver to niche markets, engage in new and emerging markets and our contribution to skills needs. In order to achieve this, the College has taken the strategic decision to subcontract part of its provision. This supports the College's strategy to provide education and training which meets the needs of students and employers. All subcontracting will be in line with the EFSA requirements and for the purpose of one or more of the following: a. enhance the opportunities available to young people and adults b. fill gaps in niche or expert provision, or provide better access to training facilities c. support better geographical access for learners d. offer an entry point for disadvantaged groups e. Support individuals who share protected characteristics, where there might otherwise be gaps The rationale of the subcontracting is to enhance the quality of our learner offer. We do not offer subcontracts to meet short term funding objectives. We ensure learners receive the best possible education and training. By subcontracting we enhance the opportunities available to learners, we use the subcontractor and their expertise to provide better access to facilities or to fill a gap in expertise or niche or expert provision. It enables learners to have better geographical access to their education and supports all learners who may be disadvantaged enter into education. Subcontracting will support individuals who share particular characteristics where otherwise there are gaps City College is seeking an offer spread across 3 lots. Full details can be found in the supporting documentation.

Lot Information

Specialised delivery

Delivery within 6 occupational sector areas (S1 Adults' & Children's Care; SS3 Animal Care; S6 IT; S7 Beauty Therapy;, S15 Business), plus Functional Skills, GCSE Maths & English and Employability Skills. Including within niche provision such as animal care. Special consideration for vulnerable learners will be required and those who have barriers to learning from previous negative experiences at school. We will also seek a provider than can support students who could find a large formal college environment overwhelming or intimidating and are more likely to engage and thrive in a smaller setting as such providing a different entry point which may better suit some disadvantaged groups Also supporting individuals who share protected characteristics, where there might otherwise be gaps

Sports Courses

To deliver specific sport courses with access to dedicated facilities. Due to the nature of these courses the college would like to see evidence of elite sports training facilities enabling learners to develop in both the sports and coaching aspects as well as any additional enrichment opportunities the partnership would provide.

E-Sports

Subcontractors must demonstrate access to and proficiency with high-end gaming hardware and software, including but not limited to, tournament-grade PCs, peripherals, and streaming equipment. A proven track record of industry knowledge is essential, evidenced by direct involvement in Esports competitions, event management, or professional coaching. This expertise should encompass a comprehensive understanding of current game titles, competitive formats, and the evolving landscape of the Esports ecosystem, ensuring seamless integration and high-quality delivery of services. SEND specialist.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0667b0
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/026059-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services

CPV Codes

80000000 - Education and training services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£2,593,882 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£2,593,882 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
23 Mar 20265 months ago
Submission Deadline
27 Mar 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Aug 2026 - 31 Jul 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
City College Plymouth
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
DEVONPORT
Postcode
PL1 5QG
Postcode Area
Plymouth
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK4 Devon
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK41 Plymouth
Delivery Location
TLK South West (England)
Local Authority
Plymouth
Electoral Ward
Stoke
Westminster Constituency
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport

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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