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Distanced Learning Subcontract Services

University Centre Somerset College Group

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

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21 Aug 2026 at 14:56

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Summary of the contracting process

University Centre Somerset College Group commissioned distance learning subcontract services to complement its existing adult learner provision. The requirement is for high-quality, accredited qualifications funded by the Department for Education, delivered flexibly and innovatively to learners. The service operator is expected to provide safeguarding, excellence in operations, information, advice and guidance from enrolment onwards, and compliance and audit throughout delivery. This is an education and training services requirement. Delivery is across the United Kingdom. The procurement concerns one service package and is relevant to organisations that design, accredit, administer or deliver funded adult distance learning, particularly those able to support learners remotely while meeting safeguarding, quality assurance and regulatory requirements.

The procurement is complete and the contract has been awarded to The Skills Network and Learning Curve Group. It used a below-threshold process under the light-touch regime; the recorded procurement method is unknown. The contract was signed on 23 July 2026 and runs from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2028. It has a gross value of £240,000, with a net value of £200,000, in GBP. Extensions are allowed for three additional 12-month periods, with the maximum contract end date of 31 July 2031. The contract is active and the related service package is complete. The award covers education and training services across the United Kingdom.

This outcome identifies a recurring requirement for providers that can deliver Department for Education-funded, accredited distance learning alongside a college’s adult learner provision. A credible future competitor would need a strong portfolio of flexible online qualifications, reliable learner support and advice from initial engagement through completion, and the operational capacity to serve learners across the United Kingdom. Robust safeguarding arrangements, quality assurance, audit readiness and evidence of regulatory compliance are central to the buyer’s expectations. Providers should also be able to demonstrate consistent service standards, innovative learning design and effective administration. The appointed suppliers indicate that established, large-scale education and training operators with the infrastructure to manage funded provision are well placed for this requirement.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Distanced Learning Subcontract Services

Notice Description

The aim of the College Service will be to provide a high quality accredited, and Department for Education (DfE) Funded Distance Learning qualifications which complement the Authority's current Adult Learner provision. The following are identified as the key objectives which the Contractor (Service Operator) will be expected to address: ? To provide learners with high quality, specifically designed, flexible and innovate learning ? To ensure effective Safeguarding policies and procedures to protect learners ? To provide excellence through all its operations ? To provide Information, Advice and Guidance through to enrolment and beyond ? To ensure compliance and audit throughout the contract.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06e9bd
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/079991-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - unknown
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

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
Not specified
Contracts Value
£200,000 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
21 Aug 20265 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
23 Jul 20261 months ago
Contract Period
1 Aug 2026 - 31 Jul 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
University Centre Somerset College Group
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
SOMERSET
Postcode
TA6 4PZ
Postcode Area
Taunton
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK6 North Somerset, Somerset and Dorset
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK62 Somerset
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Somerset
Electoral Ward
Bridgwater North & Central
Westminster Constituency
Bridgwater

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
2
Supplier Names

Learning Curve Group

The Skills Network

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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