High Potential Senior Leaders Programme

The Department for Education will launch a tender during autumn 2016 for the delivery of a new “High Potential Senior Leaders” programme, providing an accelerated development route for senior leaders into headteacher posts in schools and areas where they can make the most difference.

One national provider or consortium is required to select and develop experienced senior leaders capable of reaching headship within a timeframe of two years from starting the programme. Delivery requirements include: selection and assessment of suitable candidates; design and delivery of a programme, up to two years in length, informed by international evidence and the needs of an academised system; and quality assurance and tracking processes to maximise the impact of the programme in challenging schools. Specific geographical areas will be targeted for the programme so that leadership capability and capacity is improved in schools that need it the most; more information will be provided within the invitation to bid. The provider will be required to develop and maintain delivery strategies which build leadership capacity in an increasingly school-led system.

Selection of the first cohort will commence early in 2017 for delivery from September 2017. A minimum of 400 participants is required across four cohorts, starting in September 2017, September 2018, September 2019 and September 2020. The contract will be awarded in January 2017 for immediate commencement to guarantee delivery of the first cohort in September 2017.

The purpose of the Prior Information Notice (PIN) is to provide the market with an overview of the type of services required, and to advise that a supplier WebEx event will be held in October. This PIN is not a call for competition and a Contract Notice starting the contract award procedure is expected to be published on the OJEU during October 2016.

ESTIMATED TOTAL VALUE (excluding VAT): The anticipated total maximum contract value for four cohorts is £8.3 million (inclusive of all expenses and exclusive of VAT). VAT (where applicable) will be at the prevailing rate.

Indicative timing is as follows: Invitation to bid launched October 2016 Supplier WebEx event October 2016 Deadline date for bids November 2016 Contract Start date January 2017

Additional information: The supplier WebEx Event will provide the opportunity for interested organisations to gain a better understanding of the New HPSL programme.

Please email Niche.programmes@education.gsi.gov.uk to register your interest in the supplier WebEx event and we will provide further details in due course. Please note that this does not equate to a formal expression of interest in any future procurement activity.

See 'Attachments' for additional information.