Teaching Qualification Further Education
Framework Description
Teaching Qualification Further Education (TQFE) is an APUC framework appointing contractors to deliver the TQFE programme to the Scottish further education sector. TQFE is the teaching qualification for lecturers in Scotland's colleges. Applications for this single-lot framework are closed (it is not a DPS), and it ends on 9 May 2027 with no extension option.
Context & Use Case
Scotland's colleges use it to put lecturers through the TQFE programme as part of their staff development. Buying collectively through APUC lets colleges send staff to an appointed provider on agreed terms, instead of each college commissioning the programme separately. APUC lists the framework in its catalogue as PFB1044 AP.
Scope of Services
Delivery of the Teaching Qualification: Further Education (TQFE) programme Training leading to a recognised teaching qualification for college lecturers Provision to the Scottish further education sector
Lots
Single lot
Who Can Apply
Applications for this framework are closed, and new providers cannot join before 9 May 2027. Universities and other providers able to deliver TQFE should expect APUC to re-procure around that date, as there is no extension. Delivery capacity across Scotland will matter.
Buyer Benefits
Colleges want a programme that fits around lecturers' timetables, is recognised across the sector and is priced consistently for every college. A national agreement through APUC delivers that, and spares each college from running its own tender for a qualification they all need.
Next Steps
Read the APUC notice on Public Contracts Scotland (JUN480934) to see how the current contract was scoped. Because it ends on 9 May 2027 with no extension, a replacement procurement is likely within months. Prepare delivery models, staffing, learner outcome data and college references now so you can respond quickly.
How Athena Can Help
With the TQFE contract due for replacement within months, preparation time is short. Athena offers bid/no-bid and bid planning to decide quickly whether to compete, and help with framework tenders to get policies, case studies and selection answers ready before the notice appears.
Our bid writing and editing team then shapes your delivery model into scored answers, with a Bid Health Check before submission. We also help price the programme so it wins and stays viable.
