The Department for Education (DfE) is preparing to launch a new £18.5bn Construction Framework to replace the 2021 framework, which is set to expire this November. This new framework will span six years, starting on 1 December 2025, with an option to extend for another two years. It aims to improve educational infrastructure across England, focusing on primary, secondary, special, and further education buildings.
A key feature of the framework is its accessibility to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are encouraged to bid for projects. The DfE has engaged extensively with the market throughout 2024 and plans to host a final information session for suppliers on Monday, 10 March 2025, via Microsoft Teams. The official tender notice is expected to be released on Monday, 24 March 2025.
This initiative aligns with the ongoing School Rebuilding Programme, which began in 2021 and currently includes 518 projects. These projects will enter delivery at a rate of 50 per year. Notably, over 100 of these projects focus on addressing issues related to Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), a material identified in hundreds of school buildings that are now considered unsafe due to potential structural failure. The government’s commitment to tackling these critical issues highlights its dedication to ensuring that all educational facilities are safe and fit for purpose.
As this ambitious programme rolls out, it presents significant opportunities for contractors and SMEs to contribute to reshaping the future of education infrastructure in England.