Scope
Description
This is a Contracts for Innovation competition funded by Innovate UK and delivered by the Department for Education.
The aim of this phase is to develop tools which use generative AI to support teachers with assessing progress and providing feedback, known as formative assessment. These tools must support high quality education through evidence based teaching and learning approaches. These must align with relevant standards such as the National Curriculum or Early Years Foundation Stages (EYFS).
The Department will be procuring contracts to support Phase 2 for AI Tools for Education which will include piloting, testing and demonstration or validation of prototype genAI tools for use in operating conditions in education up to Technical Readiness Levels 7 and 8 and this will build upon the work completed in Phase 1.
The suppliers will be required to develop tools which use generative AI to support teachers with assessing progress and providing feedback, known as formative assessment.
This competition does not include the adoption, implementation, or commercial production or supply of any tools. This competition does not cover the purchase of any solution.
A total of up to £1 million inclusive of VAT is allocated to Phase 2 with up to 10 contracts awarded to successful organisations which will be selected following a mini competition.
Contracts will commence in October 2025 and must end by 30th June 2026.
Contract 1. AI Tools for Education - Phase 2
Supplier
Contract value
- £191,487.20 excluding VAT
- £239,359 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
11 October 2025
Contract dates
- 13 October 2025 to 30 June 2026
- 8 months, 19 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
Justification for not setting key performance indicators
Contract value is less than £5 million
Contract 3. AI Tools for Education - Phase 2
Supplier
Contract value
- £110,262.40 excluding VAT
- £137,828 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
10 October 2025
Contract dates
- 13 October 2025 to 30 June 2026
- 8 months, 19 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
Justification for not setting key performance indicators
Contract is less than £5 million
Contract 4. AI Tools for Education - Phase 2
Supplier
Contract value
- £131,212.80 excluding VAT
- £164,016 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
10 October 2025
Contract dates
- 13 October 2025 to 30 June 2026
- 8 months, 19 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
Justification for not setting key performance indicators
Contract is less than £5 million
Contract 5. AI Tools for Education - Phase 2
Supplier
Contract value
- £128,448 excluding VAT
- £160,560 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
13 October 2025
Contract dates
- 13 October 2025 to 30 June 2026
- 8 months, 19 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
Justification for not setting key performance indicators
Contract is less than £5 million
Contract 6. AI Tools for Education - Phase 2
Supplier
Contract value
- £112,320 excluding VAT
- £140,400 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
10 October 2025
Contract dates
- 13 October 2025 to 30 June 2026
- 8 months, 19 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
Justification for not setting key performance indicators
Contract is less than £5 million
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Prototypes and development
The Department has procured contracts to support Phase 2 for AI Tools for Education which will include piloting, testing and demonstration or validation of prototype genAI tools for use in operating conditions in education up to Technical Readiness Levels 7 and 8 and this will build upon the work completed in Phase 1.
The suppliers will be required to develop tools which use generative AI to support teachers with assessing progress and providing feedback, known as formative assessment.
This competition does not include the adoption, implementation, or commercial production or supply of any tools. This competition does not cover the purchase of any solution
The DfE relies on the justification at para. 2 (Prototypes & Development) of Schedule 5 to the Procurement Act 2023 for the direct award of these contracts. This mini competition is being undertaken in accordance with section 41(3) of the Procurement Act 2023 which permits contracting authorities to carry out a selection process before awarding one or more contracts in a range of special cases including contracts for prototypes and other novel goods or services.
A total of up to £1 million inclusive of VAT was allocated to Phase 2 with 6 contracts awarded to successful organisations which have been selected following a mini competition. Contracts will commence 9th October 2025 and must end by 30th June 2026.
This is a Contracts for Innovation competition funded by Innovate UK and delivered by the Department for Education.
Suppliers
Corduroy Dinosaur Ltd
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXZP-1798-GTQH
Cherry Lea Wymondham Road
Norwich
NR16 1NB
United Kingdom
Email: contact@corduroydinosaur.com
Region: UKH17 - Breckland and South Norfolk
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 6. AI Tools for Education - Phase 2
Kita Education Ltd
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHWL-8933-TZVR
65 Alfred Road, Studio 43
London
W2 5EU
United Kingdom
Email: heather@getkita.com
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 5. AI Tools for Education - Phase 2
Learncycle Ltd
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWJH-2542-TMNV
57a Ickburgh Road
London
E5 8AF
United Kingdom
Email: hello@stylus.education
Region: UKI41 - Hackney and Newham
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. AI Tools for Education - Phase 2
Lettingsowl Ltd
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMJX-7724-DVNV
7 St Johns Road
London
SW11 1QN
United Kingdom
Email: office@teachscribe.com
Region: UKI34 - Wandsworth
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 4. AI Tools for Education - Phase 2
Openkit Ltd
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMRG-7142-LRGX
Portland House, Belmont Business Park
Durham
DH1 1TW
United Kingdom
Email: contact@openkit.co.uk
Region: UKC14 - Durham CC
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 3. AI Tools for Education - Phase 2
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
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
Innovate UK part of UK Research and Innovation UKRI
Summary of their role in this procurement: IUK are acting in advisory capacity on the procurement of innovation and running the competition up to collection of applications.
- Companies House: 08705643
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon
SN2 1FL
United Kingdom
Email: support@iuk.ukri.org
Region: UKK14 - Swindon