Scope
Description
Kepier is seeking Requests to Participate for an extension construction works project.
The works includes a 3-storey extension to the main building, single-storey extension to Dance / Drama, internal remodelling including constructing 2 mezzanine floors to create office space, and outdoor dining shelter, associated external works and drainage.
Included in the Request to Participate document are links to the full Stage 3 design packs which show requirements. Stage 4 designs will be made available to shortlisted Contractors at the Invitation to Tender stage.
Total value (estimated)
- £6,000,000 excluding VAT
- £7,200,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 29 June 2026 to 27 August 2027
- 1 year, 1 month, 29 days
Main procurement category
Works
CPV classifications
- 45214200 - Construction work for school buildings
- 45214220 - Secondary school construction work
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
Please refer to information provided in the Request to Participate document.
Technical ability conditions of participation
Please refer to information provided in the Request to Participate document.
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
6 February 2026, 11:59pm
Submission type
Requests to participate
Deadline for requests to participate
16 February 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Full details of how to submit are contained in the documents accompanying this Request to Participate.
Tenders are to be submitted electronically via email to jonanderson@thorntonfirkin.com
Link to associated documents: https://sites.google.com/kepier.com/kepierextension
Please review the above link for clarifications which will be published in due course.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Suppliers to be invited to tender
Maximum 5 suppliers
Selection criteria:
Please refer to Request to Participate document for criteria.
Award decision date (estimated)
19 May 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Works Price | Price | 70% |
| Quality | Quality | 30% |
Other information
Payment terms
JCT Contract will be amended to include 28-day payment terms.
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Competitive flexible procedure description
The first stage in the procurement process is to shortlist those who submit a completed Request to Participate (RTP). You are invited to complete this RTP and to submit it, together with any requested supporting information, in accordance with the procedures set out below.
The FIVE highest scoring submissions will be shortlisted for Stage 2, Invitation to Tender (ITT). The marking of scored parts will only be undertaken where submissions have passed all pass / fail elements.
The criteria for the RTP stage will be:
90% Quality
10% Social Value
Full details of the weightings and evaluation criteria are contained within the documents accompanying this tender.
Following shortlisting, it is anticipated (although subject to change ahead of the ITT being issued) that the ITT stage will be awarded based on the following criteria:
70% Price
30% Quality (based on interviews during the tender process and qualitative assessment within the tender submission - it is anticipated that interviews for shortlisted contractors will take place on Wednesday 1st April 2026)
Justification for not publishing a preliminary market engagement notice
The Contracting Authority has decided not to undertake preliminary market engagement due to the compressed programme associated with delivering the works in time for completion by September 2027. Conducting meaningful engagement would have introduced delays that could jeopardise the project timetable.
The requirement relates to standard construction works for which the Authority considers the market to be mature and well understood. As such, preliminary engagement was not deemed necessary to inform the specification or procurement approach. The use of a two stage procurement, including a Stage 1 Request to Participate, provides an appropriate and proportionate opportunity for all interested suppliers to compete and to raise any clarifications during the early stages of the process.
Documents
Associated tender documents
Stage 1 Tender.pdf
Request to Participate document / information pack.
Contracting authority
EDEN LEARNING TRUST
- Companies House: 10980753
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGWD-6752-ZBJL
Ferryhill School
Ferryhill
DL17 8RW
United Kingdom
Contact name: Kerry Moralee
Region: UKC14 - Durham CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
THORNTON-FIRKIN LLP
Summary of their role in this procurement: Project Management, Contract Administration, Quantity Surveying Services
- Companies House: OC348151
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPWM-3431-MQPW
137 Newhall St
Birmingham
B3 1SF
United Kingdom
Region: UKG31 - Birmingham