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Modified Test Framework 2027/2031

Department for Education

This public procurement record has 4 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

02 Sep 2026 at 14:01

UK4 - Tender Notice
Tender

02 Sep 2026 at 10:40

UK4 - Tender Notice
PlanningUpdate

05 Aug 2026 at 18:38

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

05 Aug 2026 at 12:43

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Education, through its Standards and Testing Agency, is procuring specialist modified test development services for children with visual impairments, hearing impairments and special educational needs and disabilities. The requirement covers modified versions of National Curriculum Tests in formats including modified large print and Unified English Braille. It includes the Phonics Screening Check, Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 English Reading tests, subject to government policy and individual call-off requirements. Suppliers must also provide assessment reports on test-item suitability, amended mark-scheme guidance, braille proofing and quality assurance for Grade 1 and 2 Unified English Braille, and specialist helpline, ordering, validation and late-order support. The services will be delivered across the United Kingdom. The procurement is classified as education and training services, including special education services.

The process has reached tender: the Department invited offers through an open procedure, with electronic submission allowed in English via the Jaggaer platform. Questions could be submitted until 29 September 2026 at 12:00 BST, and tenders were due by 6 October 2026 at 12:00 BST. The contract period is 1 February 2027 to 31 January 2031, with one optional extension of up to 12 months. The estimated total value is £3,184,440 including tax. One closed framework is planned, with up to five suppliers, using call-off competitions with and without reopening competition; framework appointment does not guarantee work. The award decision is due by 17 December 2026. Evaluation is 80% quality and 20% price, with quality covering project management, security, expertise, modification development, assurance, service delivery and social value.

This opportunity suits specialist suppliers able to develop accessible assessment materials and manage their production, assurance and delivery at national scale. Relevant capability includes expertise in visual, hearing and SEND adaptations; production of modified large-print and Unified English Braille materials; Grade 1 and 2 braille proofing; and the ability to recommend future test-item modifications. Suppliers should be able to amend marking guidance, assess quality and performance, manage orders and deliveries, validate requirements for another test operations supplier, and operate a responsive helpline for schools and other users. Strong project management, management information, information security, resource planning, equalities management and social-value delivery will be important. The requirement is identified as suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises and voluntary, community or social enterprises.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Modified Test Framework 2027/2031

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

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: One optional extension up to 12 months

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/083075-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
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

80340000 - Special education services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£3,184,440 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£3,184,440 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
2 Sep 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
6 Oct 20262 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Feb 2027 - 31 Jan 2031 4-5 years
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
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
Postcode Area
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)

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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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