With climate change intensifying rainfall and flooding risk, schools and education sites need robust, future-proof solutions. The Department for Education (DfE) is investing heavily in the new Schools Property Flood Resilience: Regional Providers (Design and Build) framework agreement, valued at £120 million including VAT over five years. This presents a significant opportunity for building and construction suppliers with the expertise to deliver both traditional (grey) and nature-based (green) flood interventions across England.
If you are considering bidding for this major framework, contact Thornton & Lowe. Our public sector bid specialists can quickly assess your suitability and help you decide if this opportunity aligns with your strengths.
What is the Schools Property Flood Resilience Framework?
This new DfE framework aims to appoint regional providers capable of designing and building flood resilience solutions for school properties. The scope covers both engineered (grey) defences and nature-based (green) options, enabling a flexible approach tailored to diverse local environments. Suppliers can act alone or with named supply chain partners, opening the door to broad skillsets and innovation.
The framework is aimed at suppliers that can design and deliver practical property flood resilience measures for school sites, whether directly or with named supply chain partners. This inclusive approach means providers from across the wider building and construction sector are eligible – as long as they demonstrate credible capability in property flood resilience.
Why Tender for This Framework Agreement?
- Substantial value: £120,000,000 including VAT over five years, offering stability and recurring work opportunities for successful suppliers.
- Strategic alignment: Delivered for the Department for Education, this framework supports the Schools Water Strategy and targets schools in high-risk flood areas or those with repeated flooding disruption.
- Flexible delivery models: Ability to deliver directly or with supply chain partners enables specialisation or end-to-end solutions.
- Commitment to sustainability: With explicit green (nature-based) options, this is an ideal route for firms innovating in sustainable construction and landscape-based flood management.
Quick facts
- Client: Department for Education (DfE)
- Estimated value: £120,000,000 including VAT
- Initial term: 3 years, with optional extensions
- Procurement type: Framework agreement
- Scope: Grey and green flood resilience/mitigation works for schools
Key dates
- Tender submission deadline: 5 May 2026
What Bidders Should Know
The procurement seeks regional design-and-build providers, with five regional contracts expected across England. The framework approach means suppliers may be selected for multiple projects over its five-year lifespan, bringing long-term pipeline potential. At this stage, it is essential to:
- Carefully review full documentation: The procurement is expected to be structured into five regional lots, so your regional delivery model and resource coverage will matter. Understanding the lot structure and your eligibility for each will shape your strategy; choose regions that best match your resource and experience base.
- Demonstrate relevant flood resilience experience: Use case studies covering grey, green and, where relevant, blue property flood resilience measures, especially for school or public sector properties.
- Set up supply chain partnerships early: If your organisation cannot address both grey and green solutions in-house, identifying and securing partners as named suppliers will be crucial.
- Align with DfE objectives: Highlight your track record in health and safety, sustainability, and working in live school environments to match key client priorities.
This framework could transform how school estates manage flood risk. With a substantial budget and five-year duration, it rewards suppliers able to demonstrate both technical excellence and a collaborative approach.
For a competitive edge, invest the time to carefully review the full notice and tender documents. Consider your regional strengths and where your experience aligns best with the framework's ambitions. The right bid support can make all the difference: reach out for a no-obligation review of your prospects and readiness for this game-changing opportunity.
