Scope
Description
Purpose of the Engagement
The Department is engaging with the market to gather insight that will help shape thinking around the development of safe, curriculum‑aligned AI tutoring tools. This work follows the government’s commitment to explore how AI‑powered tutoring tools, co‑designed with teachers and aligned to the National Curriculum could support disadvantaged pupils and complement high‑quality teaching.
Total value (estimated)
- £1,500,000 excluding VAT
- £1,800,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 15 June 2026 to 14 May 2028
- Possible extension to 14 May 2029
- 2 years, 11 months
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 72222300 - Information technology services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
25 February 2026
Engagement process description
Aims of the Pre‑Market Engagement
1. Present the Policy Context and Emerging Vision
We will outline the government’s intent to support the development of safe, trusted AI tutoring tools that enhance learning while maintaining strong safeguards and preserving the central role of teachers.
2. Gather Insight from the Market
The Department is seeking active feedback to improve its understanding of:
a. Key Development Challenges
Obstacles suppliers face in creating safe, effective, curriculum‑aligned tools, particularly those designed to support disadvantaged pupils.
b. Opportunities for Collaboration
-How government and industry can work together on shared challenges, including:
-Safety and safeguarding expectations
-Evidence generation and evaluation
-Data integration and interoperability with school systems
-Approaches to scaling solutions nationally
These areas relate to the government’s ambition for tools to be co‑developed with teachers, robustly tested, and aligned with the National Curriculum ahead of any potential wider use.
3. Inform Future Commercial Thinking
Feedback from suppliers, including responses to a forthcoming Request for Information, will help the Department consider potential future commercial options. This may include defining scope, delivery models, and possible commercial approaches that would support the safe and equitable adoption of AI tutoring tools.
The pre-market engagement will be carried out via the Microsoft Teams on 18/02/2026 between 14:00 and 15:55 (full time may not be needed, but please be there from the start).
Interested suppliers should register their interest and by completing the following Microsoft Form. Please submit the form by 17/02/2026 at 17:00 to guarantee an invite to the event:
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
11 March 2026
Contracting authority
Department for Education
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDZG-3487-DPVD
Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith Street
London
SW1P3BT
United Kingdom
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government