Planning

Soft Market Test - Education Systems

  • Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council

UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2026/S 000-016731

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-065ba8

Published 25 February 2026, 9:29am



Scope

Description

Published via the CHEST Portal Ref DN806303

Stockport Council's Education Service has relied on the Synergy system for case management since September 2015. While Synergy has supported our core processes, the education landscape and technology have evolved considerably since its implementation. As our contract approaches expiry in March 2028, we want to ensure our systems continue to meet the needs of children, families, schools, and the wider community.

We are therefore undertaking a soft market testing exercise to:

• Understand the current capabilities, innovations, and cost models available in the market for education case management systems.

• Assess whether alternative solutions could better support our strategic objectives, improve service delivery, and offer better value for money.

• Inform the development of a robust specification for any future procurement, ensuring it reflects both our operational requirements and the latest market offerings.

• Engage with suppliers early to gauge interest, gather feedback, and identify potential delivery partners who can help us achieve our ambitions.

This exercise is not a call for competition, but an opportunity for the Council to gather intelligence and shape our approach to market engagement and procurement

Total value (estimated)

  • £10 excluding VAT
  • £12 including VAT

Below the relevant threshold

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 31 March 2026 to 31 March 2026
  • 1 day

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 48190000 - Educational software package
  • 72212190 - Educational software development services

Contract locations

  • UKD - North West (England)

Engagement

Engagement deadline

31 March 2026

Engagement process description

Soft Market Test, ending 31st March 2026


Contracting authority

Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PZGW-7196-LCHL

Stopford House, Piccadilly

Stockport

SK1 3XE

United Kingdom

Region: UKD35 - Greater Manchester South East

Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government