Source: https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13bdd-f353-705b-b5b9-524ff03809af/software-var-for-schools pending GB open procedure Suitable for SMEs # Software VAR for Schools [Department for Education](https://tendernation.io/buyers/department-for-education) Estimated value £300,000,000 Published 7 Jul 2026 Deadline Rolling deadline ## Who can bid - Buyer says suitable for SMEs The buyer ticked “suitable for SMEs” on the notice. Anyone can still bid. - Buyer says suitable for VCSEs The buyer ticked “suitable for voluntary, community and social enterprises” on the notice. - Sets up a framework Winning a place does not guarantee work: contracts are awarded later as call-offs, and the list usually stays closed for years. - Open procedure Anyone can submit a full tender; there is no shortlisting stage. [More contracts for small businesses and VCSEs](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/for-small-businesses) ## About this tender The Maximising Value for Pupils (MaxVP) programme ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/maximising-value-for-pupils/maximising-value-for-pupils)), launched in December 2025, aims to support schools and trusts in achieving better value across their spending, ensuring that resources are used as effectively as possible to improve outcomes for pupils. Software and digital services are a key area of focus within this programme, given their growing importance in the day-to-day operation of schools. Through a combination of recent engagement with the education sector and established market insight, the Department for Education (DfE) recognises that software procurement and management present a number of significant challenges. These range from increasing and often opaque costs, to complexities in licensing models, and, in some cases, practices that do not consistently deliver fair value to schools and trusts. In response, the DfE has identified an opportunity to explore the implementation of a Value Added Reseller (VAR) model. Such a model has the potential to simplify procurement routes, improve pricing transparency, and provide more consistent support to schools in managing their software requirements. It could also enable the aggregation of demand, leading to stronger commercial outcomes and reduced burden on individual institutions. In parallel, the DfE has been considering the application of a VAR model to support its own internal software requirements for a number of years. Aligning these ambitions presents an opportunity to create a unified commercial approach that delivers benefits at both departmental and sector levels. The overarching objective is therefore to establish a VAR model that effectively meets the needs of both the education sector and the DfE, driving improved value, greater efficiency, and more sustainable software procurement practices. Read full description ## CPV classification Software support services Industry specific software package Educational software package Source Find a Tender (UK) · Notice ocds-h6vhtk-0696c8-2026-07-07T13:41:38+01:00 [View official notice](https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/ocds-h6vhtk-0696c8-2026-07-07T13:41:38+01:00) Never miss a tender like this again Get AI summaries, deadline alerts and a bid pipeline for tenders matched to your business. Free to start. 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