Education and training services

Tender description

The purpose of this Prior Information Notice (PIN) is to notify the market of a forthcoming early market engagement event relating to the Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP). The Department for Education will be hosting an online event on 30 September 2020 for any interested parties. Please register your interest here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mandarin-excellence-programme-early-market-engagement-tickets-117546752501 The purpose of the event is share our thoughts and seek the input and expertise from the sector, to help develop our early thinking about the Mandarin Excellence Programme. This notice is a zero value PIN for early market engagement. It is for information only and is not a call for competition. The Department for Education reserves the right not to enter a formal procurement process and not proceed with contract award. China is a country of huge strategic importance to the UK and education plays a key role in developing that wider relationship with important economic, educational and diplomatic benefits. The Government firmly believes that learning other languages is important in our globalised economy, as well as helping pupils to prepare for life in modern Britain. In 2015 the Department for Education announced its intention to provide funding for at least 5 000 pupils to be taught Mandarin in schools in England. The Department is now looking to build upon the success of this initial pioneering programme. We aim to re-procure this programme to continue from April 2021, subject to approval.