Avanti Schools Trust (“AST”) is establishing an Open Framework Agreement under the Procurement Act 2023 for the provision of a broad range of curriculum and non‑curriculum services to support schools, academies, multi‑academy trusts and other eligible contracting authorities across England.
The Framework is designed as a flexible, multi‑lot, multi‑supplier arrangement that enables access to high‑quality, value‑for‑money services across a range of operational, educational and professional disciplines. Suppliers may apply to join the Framework at defined intervals during its lifetime in accordance with the Open Framework provisions.
Scope of the Framework
The Framework is divided into four Lots:
Lot 1 – Curriculum Services
Provision of educational consultancy and support services including, but not limited to:
• School improvement, inspection readiness and performance support
• Curriculum design, development and assessment frameworks
• Specialist subject consultancy (EYFS to KS5)
• SEND, inclusion and wellbeing advisory services
• Leadership development, governance and professional development programmes
• Teaching, learning and assessment improvement
• Safeguarding, compliance and statutory advisory support
• Post‑16, careers and pathways consultancy
• Research, evaluation and impact measurement
Services may be delivered at academy, cluster or trust‑wide level on a project, advisory or retained basis.
Lot 2 – Facilities Management & Estates Services
Provision of integrated estates and facilities management services including:
• Hard FM and statutory compliance (e.g. mechanical & electrical, fire, water hygiene, asbestos)
• Soft FM services (cleaning, grounds maintenance, waste management, catering support)
• Estates strategy, surveying, professional and project management services
• Minor works, refurbishments and capital project support
• Energy, sustainability and decarbonisation services
• Security, transport and specialist site services
All services must be delivered in live school environments, meeting statutory, safeguarding and health & safety requirements.
Lot 3 – IT Support & Related Services
Provision of IT, digital and technology services including:
• IT strategy, governance and consultancy
• Managed IT services and helpdesk support
• Cloud, infrastructure and hosting services
• Devices, hardware, software and licensing
• Network, telephony and connectivity solutions
• Cyber security and data protection services
• Digital transformation and education technology
• Project delivery, migrations and specialist technical support
Suppliers must comply with UK GDPR, cyber security standards and education‑sector requirements.
Lot 4 – General Administration & Consultancy Services
Provision of financial, commercial, operational and strategic support services including:
• Financial advisory, budgeting and ESFA compliance
• Procurement and commercial services (including regulated procurements)
• Contract and supplier management
• Administrative and operational support
• Interim resource and capacity support
• Strategy, transformation and organisational design
• Project and programme management
Services support governance, compliance, value for money and operational resilience.
Key Features of the Framework
Open Framework: New suppliers may apply to join at defined intervals during the Framework term, subject to meeting published criteria.
Multi‑Supplier Model: Multiple providers may be appointed per Lot, with no limit on supplier numbers.
No Guarantee of Volume: Appointment does not guarantee any level of spend or exclusivity.
Flexible Call‑Off Mechanisms: Contracts may be awarded via:
Direct award (where permitted)
Further competition (mini‑competition)
Multi‑supplier or blended delivery models
Wide Accessibility: Available for use by AST and other eligible contracting authorities including schools, academies, MATs, local authorities and education institutions across England.
Delivery and Quality Requirements
Suppliers must:
• Deliver services in accordance with public sector governance, safeguarding and statutory requirements
• Operate within DfE, ESFA, Ofsted and relevant regulatory frameworks
• Provide appropriately qualified and vetted personnel, including DBS checks where required
• Maintain robust quality assurance, performance monitoring and reporting
• Comply with UK GDPR, safeguarding, and health & safety obligations
• Demonstrate commitment to social value, sustainability, and equality, diversity & inclusion
Framework Objectives
The Framework aims to:
• Provide flexible and efficient access to specialist services
• Enable compliant procurement under the Procurement Act 2023
• Support school improvement, operational excellence and strategic development
• Encourage SME participation and innovation
• Deliver value for money and high‑quality outcomes across the education sector
Additional Information
The Framework will operate in accordance with section 49 of the Procurement Act 2023 (Open Frameworks), with periodic re‑opening to maintain competition and market access.
Call‑off contracts will be formed between the appointed supplier and the contracting authority using standardised terms and agreed service specifications.
This notice relates to the establishment of an Open Framework Agreement and not the award of a specific contract.