High Potential Initial Teacher Training Programme - National Recruitment and Training Contract

The Department for Education (DfE) is procuring a single national supplier to deliver a two-year employment-based Initial Teacher Training and leadership development programme. The programme aims to recruit and train 1,000 high-quality graduates (with 2:1 degree or above) per cohort to teach in schools serving disadvantaged communities across England. The successful supplier will be responsible for all aspects of delivery including school partnership development, participant recruitment and selection, programme delivery in conjunction with accredited providers, integrated leadership development, and participant support to maximise completion and retention rates. Three initial cohorts will commence in September 2027, 2028, and 2029, with potential extension to support two further cohorts in 2030 and 2031. The contract value is £53,658,000 for the initial three cohorts, with an indicative total value of £89 million including potential extensions. The procurement was conducted under the Light Touch Regime using a Competitive Flexible Procedure in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023. Key performance indicators include recruitment targets, Qualified Teacher Status achievement, programme completion rates, subject-specific outcomes, and Social Value delivery. This contract ensures continuity following the conclusion of the existing High Potential Initial Teacher Training programme after the 2026 cohort.