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Modified Test Framework 2027/2031 Market Engagement Event

DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

05 Aug 2026 at 17:38

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

05 Aug 2026 at 11:43

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process being conducted by the Department for Education, a central government public authority, is currently in the planning stage. This initiative, titled "Modified Test Framework 2027/2031 Market Engagement Event," falls under the education and training services industry category and is valued at £3,840,000 gross. Located in London, the engagement includes a scheduled market event on 17 August 2026. Interested parties must register on Jaggaer to participate. The framework aims to develop and deliver modified versions of National Curriculum Tests for children with visual and hearing impairments, as well as special education needs and disabilities (SEND). The contract, planned to commence on 1 February 2027 and end on 31 January 2031, has no current extension options, maximizing competition within the main procurement category of services.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses specializing in educational materials and services, especially those capable of providing accessible content for students with special needs. Companies with expertise in producing modified large print or Braille materials would be well-suited to benefit from this procurement. Additionally, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) are encouraged to engage, potentially aiding their growth by contributing innovative solutions within a four-year framework agreement, ensuring educational materials meet accessibility standards. This initiative also presents an opportunity to foster long-term partnerships with the Department for Education and fulfil a valuable societal role in supporting inclusive education.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Modified Test Framework 2027/2031 Market Engagement Event

Notice Description

Modified Tests Framework 2027-2031 Pre-Market Engagement The Standards and Testing Agency (STA), an Executive Agency of the Department for Education (DfE) is looking to re-establish a Modified Tests Framework for the development and delivery of modified versions of National Curriculum Tests for children with visual impairments, hearing impairments and special education needs and disabilities. (SEND) The new framework will be for four years from 1 February 2027 to 31 January 2031. Successful suppliers will be required to provide modified versions of standard tests in various formats including modified large print and Unified English Braille. Modified versions are required for all national curriculum tests including the following: Phonics Screening Check (braille version only); Key stage 1 tests in English Grammar Punctuation and Spelling, English Reading, Mathematics and; Key stage 2 tests in English Grammar Punctuation and Spelling, English Reading, Mathematics and; Key stage 3 English Reading. However, this is subject to change depending on government policy. The tests required for modification will be specified in each call-off. Suppliers will also be expected to provide: assessment reports evaluating suitability of test items including recommendations for modifications for future test development. amendments to the standard mark scheme guidance to enable consistent marking of the modified versions of the Live tests; braille proofing and quality assurance of Grade 1 and 2 UEB versions of the national curriculum tests; a specialist helpline service: to answer queries from schools and other users of modified tests; to facilitate on-demand orders of past test Braille materials and the replacements of reception baselines assessment resources to validate Modified test orders for the incumbent Test Operations Supplier to facilitate late Modified test orders for the incumbent Test Operations Supplier

Planning Information

The market engagement event will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams on 17 August 2026 between 2 - 4PM BST.To participate, potential bidders must register on Jaggaer (or access their existing account) and express an interest in ssq_830.Once an expression of interest has been submitted, further information will be provided, including joining instructions for the event. Suppliers will also have the opportunity to ask questions relating to the event and the subsequent procurement. Jaggaer Registration Link: - https://education.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06dc4f
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074417-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
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

80 - Education and training services

CPV Codes

80000000 - Education and training services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£3,200,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Aug 2026Today
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
17 Aug 20262 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Feb 2027 - 31 Jan 2031 4-5 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
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

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

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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