Scope
Reference
PR_10185
Description
The Department intends to publish a new opportunity in early 2026 for suppliers to deliver a contract for a new programme called Building Equal Access to Chess in Schools. We want to open up the world of chess to more children and young people in schools with the aim of bringing chess to more primary schools, secondary schools, special schools, and alternative provision settings across England, targeting settings with higher levels of disadvantage.
As part of our mission to break down barriers to opportunity we want to ensure all children and young people regardless of their background have access to enrichment opportunities including chess.
The purpose of the programme is to increase chess participation and improve access for schools with higher levels of disadvantage. Within those settings, we want to ensure that pupils who are least likely to take part have meaningful opportunities to engage and succeed, particularly children with SEND and girls.
We would like to share high level thinking on the future of chess in schools, learn more about sector perspectives and gather feedback on our approach from potential suppliers.
After the event, suppliers will be invited to complete a questionnaire to provide feedback that will support DfE's development of delivery models.
The DfE is keen to maximise opportunities to participate in procurement for Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs). Consideration will also be given to consortia and collaborative bids from all forms of organisations should a competitive tender become available in the New Year.
*Please be aware that registration is for the Market Engagement Event only. This event does not signify the commencement of any procurement process and does not constitute any commitment by the Department for Education. This is NOT an invitation to tender for a contract opportunity and any suppliers invited to the event will not have a privileged position in relation to any future contract opportunity. Any subsequent procurement(s) that DfE conducts will be based on the fair and objective outcome of a procurement process.*
Total value (estimated)
- £750,000 excluding VAT
- £900,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029
- Possible extension to 31 March 2030
- 4 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80000000 - Education and training services
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
- UKH - East of England
- UKI - London
- UKJ - South East (England)
- UKK - South West (England)
Engagement
Engagement deadline
19 December 2025
Engagement process description
The Department is hosting an engagement event on Friday 19 December 2025 starting at 11am and ending 12 nooon.
The event will be hosted virtually on MS Teams.
Interested organisations must register for an account on Jaggaer before expressing an interest in this opportunity.
Access and further information are available via the Departments e-Tendering portal - Jaggaer https://education.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html.
Once registered on Jaggaer please view the "current opportunities" page at Jaggaer https://education.app.jaggaer.com and search for: Project_10185 or SSQ_659 Once you have located Project_10185 of SSQ_659 please confirm your interest in the Jaggaer system.
The next step is to reserve a place using the message facility in Jaggaer. Please state
Your interest in joining the event
- Your organisation name
- Names of attendee(s)
-Email address of attendees
- Role(s) in your organisation
We will send a Teams calendar invite with the joining instructions via Jaggaer. Please share the invite with your nominated attendees.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
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