This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

08 Jul 2026 at 15:19

Summary of the contracting process

South Gloucestershire Council has completed its procurement process for the "Post-16 Digital Skills Centre" project, a specialised initiative aimed at providing creative technology-focused alternative education for post-16 learners, particularly those with Education, Health and Care Plans. Located in Bristol, this procurement falls under the education and training services category, with the procurement stage being in the award phase as of 8th July 2026. The procurement method employed was a direct award to BoomSatsuma Specialist Provision Limited, following a market test that determined this organisation as capable of meeting the specific service requirements. The contract, valued at approximately £657,402, spans from 1st September 2026 to 31st August 2028, with potential for a one-year extension and additional options for customised learner support.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses with expertise in educational services, specifically those involved with creative and technology-focused learning environments. Businesses that excel in supporting neurodiverse learners or those with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs could leverage this contract to enhance their service portfolios. By engaging with a robust public authority like South Gloucestershire Council, such businesses can gain experience and expand their reach across several UK regions, ultimately fostering sustainable growth by catering to a niche market of educational provision that addresses the diverse needs of learners unable to thrive in mainstream settings.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Post-16 Digital Skills Centre

Notice Description

Contract Details * Subject Matter: * The Provider shall deliver a specialist, creative technology-focused post-16 alternative education provision, offering a structured but flexible programme tailored to learners with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) who have been unable to engage in mainstream or traditional settings. * The provision shall operate at a maximum capacity of 20 commissioned places at any one time. Placements shall be managed on a rolling admission basis, enabling entry and exit throughout the academic year in accordance with agreed referral processes and individual need. * The provision is intended for learners with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and/or neurodiverse profiles who are not currently in education. It shall not be commissioned for learners with severe learning difficulties requiring provision typically delivered within specialist Severe Learning Difficulty (SLD) settings. * Estimated Value: PS657,402.00 over 2 years

Procurement Information

The proposed contract is for the delivery of a further education (post 16 alternative provision) service. To test the market and identify potential capable providers, an Expressions of Interest (EOI) process was published via ProContract and open to the market. Although the alternative provision market is generally robust and continues to grow, the highly specific nature of this commission - namely a specialist, technology led creative post 16 offer - significantly reduced the number of providers capable of delivering the required service. Two organisations responded; however, following assessment of the submissions against the defined service requirements, BoomSatsuma was identified as the only provider able to meet and deliver the service as specified. As a result, meaningful competition could not be achieved.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06c6c3
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/064378-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services


CPV Codes

80000000 - Education and training services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£657,402 £500K-£1M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
8 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
8 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Contract Period
31 Aug 2026 - 31 Aug 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE 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
BRISTOL
Postcode
BS37 5AF
Post Town
Bristol
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK5 West of England
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK52 Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
South Gloucestershire
Electoral Ward
Frampton Cotterell
Westminster Constituency
Thornbury and Yate

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

BOOMSATSUMA SPECIALIST PROVISION

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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