Scope
Reference
Project_10041
Description
This procurement proposal seeks to continue funding the CIPFA Level 7 Diploma, developed in partnership with the Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL), aimed at supporting School Business Professionals (SBPs) through targeted bursaries. For the 2025/26 period, the number of bursaries will increase from 58 to 72, covering 75% of the course costs. This expansion responds to strong demand-evidenced by 105 expressions of interest-and consistently positive participant feedback. The bursaries are specifically directed at SBPs working in schools with budget deficits or limited CPD (Continuing Professional Development) resources, across all educational sectors.
Contract 1. Level 7 Qualification Bursaries 2025
Supplier
Contract value
- £164,700 excluding VAT
- £204,120 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
28 August 2025
Contract dates
- 1 September 2025 to 25 April 2027
- Possible extension to 25 April 2028
- 2 years, 7 months, 25 days
Description of possible extension:
The Buyer may extend the Contract for a period of up to 12 Months by giving not less than 30 Working Days' notice in writing to the Supplier prior to the Expiry Date. The Conditions of the Contract shall apply throughout any such extended period
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80500000 - Training services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Key performance indicators
| Name | Reporting frequency |
|---|---|
| % of bursary recipients from LA maintained schools to support system levelling-up (Target: 10%) | 3 months |
| % of participants reporting increased confidence in financial and operational leadership after completing training (Target: 80%) | 3 months |
| % reduction in dropout rates due to flexible enrolment (Target: 10%) | 3 months |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
Justification for using a direct award under PA 2023:
What is the legal framework that governs direct award?
3. competitive tendering procedure is the default for most public procurements. A contracting authority may only directly award a public contract when section 41 (and one or more of the justifications in Schedule 5) A
Schedule 5: Direct award justifications-Single suppliers
25. The final justification is where, due to an absence of competition for technical reasons and provided there are no reasonable alternatives, only a particular supplier can supply the goods, services or works require.
Justification: ISBL in partnership with CIPFA are the only supplier to offer this qualification
Supplier
ISBL Trading Ltd
- Companies House: 03425492
Highdown House, 11 Highdown Road
Leamington Spa
CV31 1XT
United Kingdom
Region: UKG13 - Warwickshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1
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