Modified Test Framework 2027/2031

What the buyer is asking for

Modified Tests Framework 2027-2031 Pre-Market Engagement The Standards and Testing Agency (STA), an Executive Agency of the Department for Education (DfE) is looking to re-establish a Modified Tests Framework for the development and delivery of modified versions of National Curriculum Tests for children with visual impairments, hearing impairments and special education needs and disabilities. (SEND) The new framework will be for four years from 1 February 2027 to 31 January 2031. Successful suppliers will be required to provide modified versions of standard tests in various formats including modified large print and Unified English Braille. Modified versions are required for all national curriculum tests including the following: Phonics Screening Check (braille version only); Key stage 1 tests in English Grammar Punctuation and Spelling, English Reading, Mathematics and; Key stage 2 tests in English Grammar Punctuation and Spelling, English Reading, Mathematics and; Key stage 3 English Reading. However, this is subject to change depending on government policy. The tests required for modification will be specified in each call-off. Suppliers will also be expected to provide: assessment reports evaluating suitability of test items including recommendations for modifications for future test development. amendments to the standard mark scheme guidance to enable consistent marking of the modified versions of the Live tests; braille proofing and quality assurance of Grade 1 and 2 UEB versions of the national curriculum tests; a specialist helpline service: to answer queries from schools and other users of modified tests; to facilitate on-demand orders of past test Braille materials and the replacements of reception baselines assessment resources to validate Modified test orders for the incumbent Test Operations Supplier to facilitate late Modified test orders for the incumbent Test Operations Supplier

How this is scored

Published by the buyer. A winning response is written to these weightings, not to the question.

• 20%qualityProject Management and Management information
• 5%qualityInformation Security
• 5%qualityResource, Expertise and Equalities Management
• 25%qualityDevelopment of modification materials and guidance
• 10%qualityQuality Assurance and Performance
• 5%qualityOrder, delivery management and Specialist Helpline Services
• 10%qualitySocial Value
• 20%priceTotal Tender PriceFor the purposes of price evaluation, the Total Tender Price will be the price submitted by the Potential Supplier for the pricing scenario set out in Work Package 2 of the Pricing Schedule. The pricing scenario is fictional and is provided solely to enable the Department to evaluate all Tenders on a consistent and comparable basis

How contested is this?

Buyers publish how many bids they received. Across 71 comparable procurements we can tell you the typical field size, how often one of these goes uncontested, and whether the buyer awards on price or on quality.

Timeline

4 published dates · Europe/London

1. Tender notice published19 days ago

   2 Sept 2026, 14:01 BST
2. Clarification questions byin 7 days

   29 Sept 2026, 12:00 BST
3. Submission deadlinein 14 days

   6 Oct 2026, 12:00 BST
4. Award decision expected byin 87 days

   17 Dec 2026, 23:59 GMT

Commercial outcome and contract awards

Nothing awarded yet

Notice history

4 events · 4 releases on Find a Tender

1. Pipeline or early engagement notice5 Aug 2026, 12:43 BST074162-2026
2. Notice published5 Aug 2026, 18:38 BST074417-2026
3. Tender notice2 Sept 2026, 10:40 BST082960-2026
4. Tender updated2 Sept 2026, 14:01 BST083075-2026

Documents

• Tender notice on Find a Tender