Find a TenderAwardedContract details notice
Published 5 Sept 2025, 08:31 BST

Official UK procurement notice

Purchase of a Schools Management Information System

Official notice

Authority: Caerphilly County Borough Council (Local council)

ServicesCompetitive flexible procedureAbove thresholdSME suitable
Published estimate£3,000,000≈ £600k / year · £3,600,000 inc. VAT · 2 value updates53.3% below published estimate
Submissions closed 21 Jan 2026awarded 1 May 2026
Awarded to Arbor Education Partners Group Ltd
Contract term 5 yrsends 31 Mar 2032 · up to 31 Mar 2037 with extensions · starts 1 Apr 2027

What is being bought

Published requirement description

Caerphilly CBC (“the Council”) are purchasing a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution for the provision of a comprehensive Schools Management Information System (MIS). The primary objective of this tender is to procure a solution that enables schools to efficiently and effectively fulfil statutory and legislative responsibilities. The solution must support compliance with all relevant Welsh educational regulations and standards.  The solution must provide a provision for Primary Schools, Secondary Schools, 3-18 Schools, Special Schools and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs).  The desired solution should streamline administrative processes, enhance data management, and improve overall operational efficiency.  It is essential that the solution minimises the need for third party add-ons by encompassing a wide range of functionalities within a single platform.  This will ensure that schools can operate seamlessly without the additional burden of procuring and managing multiple solutions.

  • The authority expects to re-tender this requirement around 1 Mar 2035, 23:59 GMT.
  • How the procedure runs: This procurement will be conducted using the Competitive Flexible Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023 and will follow a multi-stage evaluation process: Stage 1: Compliance (Pass/Fail) – Mandatory requirements assessed on a pass/fail basis. Stage 2: Quality (30%) – Evaluation of responses to quality questions. Stage 3: Price (30%) – Assessment of priced submissions. Stage 4: System Demonstration (40%) – Demonstration by shortlisted bidders. Stage 6: Preferred Bidder Stage – Final clarifications, negotiations, and due diligence. Stage 7: Contract Award – Award to the preferred bidder.

CPV: IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support · System for recording attendance

The lotProcurement structure

single lot · value published
Lot #1AwardedRenewal 5 yrsSMEPublished value£3,000,000
Contract period: 1 Apr 2027 – 31 Mar 2032 (5 yrs) · up to 31 Mar 2037 with extensionsValue: £3,000,000 exc. VAT · £3,600,000 inc. VAT
Delivery: WalesEligibility: SME eligible
Extensions: The Council reserve the right to procure additional services throughout the duration of the contract if they assist with improving the customer experience or provide innovation to enhance the service, within the subject matter of the contract. · The contract shall be for a period of five years with an option to extend for a further period of up to 60 months renewable on a yearly or two yearly basis.
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Information on Legal Capacity questions can be found in section 10 - WPSQ - Part 3A - Legal Capacity and Section 11 - Contractor Information Governance Due Diligence of the questions tab in the Proactis eTendering portal.

  • Technical & professional ability

    Information on Technical Ability questions can be found in section 12- WPSQ - Part 3A - Technical Ability of the questions tab in the Proactis eTendering portal.

What it takes to win
i

How this buyer will score bids.

The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).

Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add more
How bids were scored
Quality: 70%Price: 30%
Published sub-criteria (3)
  • Quality Questions: 30%
  • System Demonstration: 40%
  • Price: 30%
Published award criteria (3)
  • Quality Questions: Response to quality questions set out in the Proactis eTendering System
  • Price: Total cost of providing the solution as per the pricing schedule
  • System Demonstration: The top four scoring bidders (based on quality questions and price) will be invited to a system demonstration. The questions can be found in the Proactis eTendering system.
Conditions of participation2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Information on Legal Capacity questions can be found in section 10 - WPSQ - Part 3A - Legal Capacity and Section 11 - Contractor Information Governance Due Diligence of the questions tab in the Proactis eTendering portal.

  • Technical & professional ability

    Information on Technical Ability questions can be found in section 12- WPSQ - Part 3A - Technical Ability of the questions tab in the Proactis eTendering portal.

What this means for your bid
  • Price carries 30 of 100 points: a 10% discount moves about 3 points. The method statement decides this lot, not the discount.

Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.

Procedure terms & legal framework

From the official record
Procedure method
Competitive flexible procedure
Legal basis
UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
Procurement category
Services
Notice status
Awarded
Procurement threshold
Above threshold (FTS publication)
Regulatory regime
Standard
Commercial structure
Stand-alone contract (no framework)
Competition type
Competitive procedure
GPA / WTO covered
Yes (GPA)
Recurring procurement
Yes · next expected 1 Mar 2035
First published
5 Sept 2025, 08:31 BST
Last source update
26 Jun 2026, 07:43 BST
Award evaluation window
Submission end – 27 Mar 2026
Authority reference
CCBC/PS2931/25/JT
FTS notice number
2025/S 000-082606
Latest notice
Contract details notice (UK7)
Classification (CPV)
IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and supportSystem for recording attendance
Delivery area
Wales (UKL12)
Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-059498 Find a Tender
How it runs

This procurement will be conducted using the Competitive Flexible Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023 and will follow a multi-stage evaluation process:

Stage 1: Compliance (Pass/Fail) – Mandatory requirements assessed on a pass/fail basis.

Stage 2: Quality (30%) – Evaluation of responses to quality questions.

Stage 3: Price (30%) – Assessment of priced submissions.

Stage 4: System Demonstration (40%) – Demonstration by shortlisted bidders.

Stage 6: Preferred Bidder Stage – Final clarifications, negotiations, and due diligence.

Stage 7: Contract Award – Award to the preferred bidder.

How it was run

Official notice
Run through: ProContract (Due North) · Who buys & how to bid on ProContract
Supplier login requiredElectronic submission allowedLanguage: EN, CY
Access & registration note: Free · short registration with manual review; public opportunity list
Submission deadline
21 Jan 2026, 12:00 GMT
Clarification deadline
13 Jan 2026, 12:00 GMT
Submission channel
Official e-sourcing portal
Electronic submission
Allowed
Accepted languages
en, cy
Detailed submission instructions & authority contactsFrom official release

All tenders must be submitted through the Proactis eTendering System, link provided below:

supplierlive.proactisp2p.com/Account/Login ↗

Timeline

5 Sept 2025 → 1 Apr 2027 · 11 dates
  1. Planning notice published
    5 Sept 2025, 08:31 BST
  2. Market engagement
    19 Sept 2025, 23:59 BST
    1. Purpose of Engagement

    The Council is undertaking a pre-market engagement exercise to inform the future procurement of a comprehensive Schools Management Information System (MIS). The purpose is to:

    Understand current market capabilities.

    Identify innovative solutions and best practices.

    Refine the scope and requirements of the future tender.

    Ensure the procurement process is aligned with supplier capacity and sector developments.

    1. Scope of Requirement

    The proposed MIS must support:

    Primary Schools

    Secondary Schools

    3–18 Schools

    Special Schools

    Pupil Referral Units (PRUs)

    The system should enable schools to meet statutory and legislative responsibilities efficiently, with minimal reliance on third-party add-ons.

    Key functionalities include:

    Student information management

    Attendance tracking

    Timetabling

    Assessment and progression tracking

    Examination management

    Safeguarding incident logging

    Communication tools

    Payment processing

    Classroom management

    GDPR and Welsh Government compliance

    1. Supplier Questionnaire

    Interested suppliers are asked to complete the following questionnaire:

    (a) Supplier Details

    Company Name:

    Contact Name & Role:

    Email Address:

    Phone Number:

    Website (if applicable):

    (b) System Overview

    Does your MIS support the following school types?

    Primary

    Secondary

    3–18

    Special

    PRUs

    Is your solution a single platform or does it require third-party add-ons?

    Briefly describe your system’s core features (max 150 words):

    (e.g. attendance, assessment, safeguarding, communication, payments)

    (c) Compliance & Deployment

    How does your system ensure compliance with GDPR and Welsh Government legislation?

    What deployment options are available? (Cloud, On-Premise, Hybrid)

    (d) Experience & Support

    Do you currently supply MIS to any Welsh schools or local authorities? (If yes, please specify)

    What support and training do you offer post-implementation?

    (e) Commercial Model

    Indicative pricing model (e.g. per pupil, per school, annual licence):

    (For market research only – not used for evaluation)

    (d) Additional Comments

    Any innovations or features that differentiate your solution?

    Any feedback on the proposed scope or procurement approach?

    Please return the above information to:

    Jessica Thomas – Principal Procurement Officer [email protected]

    Deadline: Friday 19 September 2025

    Caerphilly CBC reserve the right to host virtual engagement sessions to understand more about supplier offerings and to gain further insight into the market and to give suppliers an opportunity to ask questions about the Council's requirements.

    1. Feedback and Analysis

    Responses and insights from suppliers will be analysed to:

    Refine the specification and procurement strategy

    Identify potential risks and mitigation strategies

    Ensure the tender is realistic and attractive to the market

    1. Confidentiality and Transparency

    All engagement will be conducted in accordance with public procurement regulations. Participation in this process does not confer any advantage in the subsequent tender.

  3. Next notice expected356 days ago
    3 Nov 2025, 23:59 GMT
  4. Tender notice published318 days ago
    12 Dec 2025, 15:33 GMT
  5. Clarification questions by286 days ago
    13 Jan 2026, 12:00 GMT
  6. Submission deadline278 days ago
    21 Jan 2026, 12:00 GMT
  7. Award decision expected by212 days ago
    27 Mar 2026, 23:59 GMT
  8. Assessment summaries sent178 days ago
    1 May 2026, 00:00 BST
  9. Standstill ends165 days ago
    13 May 2026, 23:59 BST
  10. Latest notice published122 days ago
    26 Jun 2026, 07:43 BST
  11. Today
    26 Oct 2026
  12. Contract startsin 157 days
    1 Apr 2027, 00:00 BST

Notice history

11 events · 5 releases on Find a Tender · since 5 Sept 2025
  1. Preliminary market engagement notice published
    5 Sept 2025, 08:31 BST
    UK2
  2. Pipeline notice published
    7 Oct 2025, 10:14 BST
    UK1
  3. Status changed to planned
    7 Oct 2025, 10:14 BST
  4. Tender notice published
    12 Dec 2025, 15:33 GMT
    UK4
  5. Status changed to active
    12 Dec 2025, 15:33 GMT
  6. Procurement method changed
    12 Dec 2025, 15:33 GMT
  7. Deadline published: 21 Jan 2026, 12:00 GMT
    12 Dec 2025, 15:33 GMT
  8. Contract award notice published
    1 May 2026, 17:03 BST
    UK6
  9. Status changed to complete
    1 May 2026, 17:03 BST
  10. Contract signature expected
    18 May 2026, 23:59 BST
    scheduled
  11. Contract details notice published
    26 Jun 2026, 07:43 BST
    UK7
Routine re-releases (5)
  • 2025-10: 1 release · 7 Oct 2025
  • 2025-09: 1 release · 5 Sept 2025

Commercial outcome & contract awards

Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast
Awards 1
Awarded value £1,400,0001 award exc. VAT
Bids received 32 from SMEs
Contracts signed 1latest 23 Jun 2026
Awarded toValueDateStatus
Arbor Education Partners Group Ltd1 Apr 2027 – 31 Mar 2032 · up to 31 Mar 2037Extensions: The Council reserves the right to extend the contract for up to 60 months. £1,400,0001 May 2026Awarded

Contracts

  • Purchase of a Schools Management Information System · Arbor Education Partners Group Ltd

    Signed
    23 Jun 2026
    Value
    £1,600,000
    Period
    1 Apr 2027 – 31 Mar 2032 · up to 31 Mar 2037 with extensions
    Status
    active
    Extensions
    The Council reserves the right to extend for a period of up to 60 months
    Options
    The Council reserves the right to procure additional goods and services from the appointed supplier where these are directly related to, and compatible with, the core system. This may include, but is not limited to: - Additional software modules, functionality or system enhancements - Additional user licences or capacity increases - Integration services with other Council or third-party systems - Further configuration, development, or consultancy services - Training and support services beyond the initial implementation - Data migration, reporting, or analytics enhancements Any such options will only be utilised where they remain within the overall scope of the original procurement and are necessary to enhance, extend or optimise the operation of the system. The use of these options will be subject to available budget and internal approval processes and will be agreed in accordance with the contract terms.
    3 agreed KPIs: Security audits / penetration testing · Social Value reporting · Business Continuity (BCDR) testing
    • Security audits / penetration testing
    • Social Value reporting
    • Business Continuity (BCDR) testing

Bid statistics published by the authority

BidsSMEVCSEValid bid range
3final-stage tenders20—

Contracting authority & participating public bodies

Caerphilly County Borough Council

Contracting authorityPublic authority - sub-central governmentWelsh devolved regulations apply GB-PPON: PWHP-2369-JPYL Penallta House, Tredomen Park, Hengoed, Wales, CF82 7PGContact name, email

Bidders & participating suppliers

1 commercial party on the notice
  • ARBOR EDUCATION PARTNERS GROUP LTDAwarded supplierGB-PPON: PXPL-8349-GQXG Fora - Great Eastern Street, 4th Floor, 21-33 Great Eastern Street, London, London, EC2A 3EJContact email

Official documents & specifications (6)

Official links; attachments are not copied

Tender pack and attachments

  • Bidding documents and specificationstenderBidding documents and specificationsAccess: The documentation can be found in the Proactis eTendering portal, link provided below: https://supplierlive.proactisp2p.com/Account/Login

Notices published for this procedure

  • Contract details notice contractContract details noticeUK7Contract details notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Tender notice tenderTender noticeUK4Tender notice on Find a Tender
  • Pipeline notice planningPipeline noticeUK1Pipeline notice on Find a Tender
  • Preliminary market engagement notice planningPreliminary market engagement noticeUK2Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender