Scope
Reference
DN801546
Description
Cambridge is a proud city of sanctuary and as the local Council we want to ensure that all residents have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations. We know that many refugees are likely to have had their education or employment disrupted due to displacement caused by war and/or persecution.
Refugees may face additional challenges to restarting education or employment due to having a low-level English and a lack of available English classes. This can lead to refugees relying on low-skilled or temporary employment. This contract aims to reduce this disadvantage by providing quick access to English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes. The successful supplier will:
• Be an experienced and accredited ESOL provider with a pool of qualified teachers
• Recognise the intrinsic link between English skills and being able to navigate life in the UK, such as finding employment
• Provide all clients with access to an ESOL classes within 1-month of arriving in Cambridge for a minimum of 8-hours per week, including an initial assessment to gage individual ESOL levels across reading, writing, speaking and listening.
• Enrol clients for ESOL exams when ready
The service will be primarily aimed at those who have travelled on the following Government schemes:
o Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP)
o UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS)
o Homes for Ukraine (HfU) and Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE)
Regional and local authority data on some of these groups can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/immigration-system-statistics-regional-and-local-authority-data
However, needs may change overtime and therefore it is important that the supplier is able to work with any refugee or asylum-seeking group. The supplier will recognise that world events can quickly influence what is required and who may need to access a service. The service must be flexible to needs and demonstrate a sound understanding of different customs and cultures and delivering a service to people who have experienced trauma.
Total value (estimated)
- £40,000 excluding VAT
- £48,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
- Possible extension to 31 March 2029
- 3 years
Description of possible extension:
continuation of services
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80000000 - Education and training services
Contract locations
- UKH12 - Cambridgeshire CC
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
26 January 2026, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
2 February 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Award criteria
Quality and Price
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://procontract.due-north.com/RFx/RFxSummary?rfxId=9a1f6028-3cdf-f011-813c-005056b64545
Contracting authority
Cambridge City Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCBT-6819-NDPJ
The Guildhall
Cambridge
CB2 1BY
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@cambridge.gov.uk
Region: UKH12 - Cambridgeshire CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government