Scope
Description
The Trust is looking to award a contract to Learning Unleashed Ltd t/a Global Schools Alliance, to facilitate a strategic international school partnership and student exchange programme with a specific partner institution in China.
The service encompasses the logistical management, curriculum alignment, and safety oversight required to provide students with a global perspective, broadening their horizons through direct cultural immersion and collaborative learning.
The provider will be expected to:
Facilitate Communication: Provide a secure platform or framework for sustained interaction between students and staff.
Curriculum Integration: Assist in developing collaborative projects that allow students to share cultural insights and academic work.
Safety and Compliance: Ensure all international links meet UK safeguarding standards and data protection (UK GDPR) requirements.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £936,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
26 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 2 February 2026 to 1 February 2031
- Possible extension to 1 February 2033
- 7 years
Description of possible extension:
and additional 24 months extention to be available should the schools still be engaging in this exchange program
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 63516000 - Travel management services
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Special regime
Light touch
Direct award justification
- Single supplier - technical reasons
- Additional or repeat goods, services or works - further goods, services or works following a competitive procedure
- Extreme and unavoidable urgency
- User choice contract
The Trust has opted to appoint Global Schools Alliance (GSA) based on the following grounds:
Proven Track Record: GSA has previously delivered successful international exchanges for the Trust. They have an intimate understanding of our high expectations and operational requirements.
Established Relationships: GSA holds a unique position, maintaining active, existing links with both The Trust and our intended partner school in China. This relationship ensures a level of coordination and mutual trust that a new provider could not immediately replicate.
Safeguarding and Compliance: Student safety is our paramount concern. GSA has already provided the comprehensive safeguarding and compliance assurances required by the Trust for international travel. Their established presence and vetted protocols within the partner school mean that the complex risks associated with overseas exchanges are significantly reduced and managed effectively.
Operational Continuity: Using a known and trusted supplier avoids the disruption and technical difficulties of a transition to a new provider. It ensures that the project remains focussed on student outcomes rather than administrative restructuring.
Summary
The selection of GSA is justified by their unique ability to bridge the gap between our institutions while ensuring that all safeguarding obligations are met to the highest standard. This approach represents the most secure and efficient route to delivering a safe, high-quality international experience for our students.
Supplier
LEARNING UNLEASHED LTD
- Companies House: 13258942
62 Hope Street
Liverpool
L1 9BZ
United Kingdom
Region: UKD72 - Liverpool
Contract 1
Contracting authority
Outwood Grange Academies Trust
- Companies House: 6995649
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMPC-4729-RHHL
Potovens Lane
Wakefield
WF1 2PF
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@outwood.com
Region: UKE45 - Wakefield
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government