# Schools in Use Programme

> Contract award record from UK public-sector procurement sources.

## Key facts

- Public buyer: [Department for Education](/buyers/department-for-education/contract-awards)
- Contract winner: [ARCADIS CONSULTING \(UK\) LIMITED](/contract-winners/arcadis-consulting-uk/public-sector-contract-awards)
- Award value: £135,000
- Tender value: £135,000
- Award date: 9 December 2025
- Published: 16 December 2025
- Contract start: 9 December 2025
- Contract end: 31 March 2026
- Stage: awarded
- Procurement category: services
- Notice ID: 7ff5e3b6-b793-4bb9-a3a3-c3356b8d98e5-876141
- OCID: ocds-b5fd17-c5a438f6-bfa1-4da5-ab8d-7a195d27c094

## Description

The Department for Education has appointed Arcadis Consulting to deliver two technical advisory studies under the Schools in Use \(SiU\) programme, via CCS framework RM6165 \(Construction Professional Services\), Lot 1: Built Environment\. This requirement was competed via the RM6165 direct award process, using an enhanced Expression of Interest \(as per the framework's Direct Award Guidance\)\. The project will involve conducting a minimum of 14 site-based assessments at schools that have previously received capital investment\. The appointed supplier will undertake desktop analysis, site visits, interviews, and walkarounds to gather evidence on how these schools have been used, adapted, and maintained\. The studies include: a\) Community Co-location Fund: Assess a minimum of five schools to determine the current status, effectiveness, and sustainability of co-located community facilities originally delivered through a £200 million programme \(2008-2011\)\. The supplier will report on continued use, changes in operational arrangements, and barriers to community access\. b\) Refurbishment and Retrofit: Assess a minimum of eight schools to evaluate the performance of retained buildings over time, focusing on energy efficiency, identity, and user satisfaction\. The study will explore how retrofit interventions integrate with new-build elements and whether they represent a successful long-term investment\. For each project, the supplier will produce a report and presentation summarising findings and recommendations to inform future departmental investment decisions\.

## Related contract awards

- [User Research Data Analysis Tool 2026-2028](/contracts/ocds-b5fd17-46ca1686-7613-47db-a922-cbe2568d6334): Department for Education
- [Best Start Family Hubs Evaluation](/contracts/ocds-b5fd17-cecef360-c326-4f42-b6cc-217c2114b0e9): Department for Education
- [Smartphone Randomised Controlled Trial \(Con\_32148\)](/contracts/ocds-b5fd17-3968151b-d09a-43c5-97f6-b4d73551c17d): Department for Education
- [HAGLEY ROAD MASS RAPID TRANSIT \(PHASES 1 AND 2\)](/contracts/ocds-b5fd17-67367296-de22-4277-a007-a419c3139855): West Midlands Combined Authority
- [ENQ1337 - Darley Abbey Mills Bridge - Environmental Planning Support](/contracts/ocds-b5fd17-d5e27282-af8c-45eb-87af-92d1d1788754): DERBY CITY COUNCIL
- [ENQ1319c - Highways Concept Design](/contracts/ocds-b5fd17-41f8efb2-d3ae-48f0-8042-586c3b06164e): DERBY CITY COUNCIL

## Source

[View the original notice on Contracts Finder](https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/7ff5e3b6-b793-4bb9-a3a3-c3356b8d98e5-876141)