Post 16 Education and Training DPS
Framework Description
South Tyneside Council's Post 16 Education and Training DPS is the route for buying the education, learning and training programmes for people aged 16 and over that the Council funds. It runs from 1 August 2024 to 31 July 2027 and is open to new providers throughout. Programmes are funded by the Department for Education and the North East Mayoral Combined Authority (North East CA).
Context & Use Case
The Council commissions 16 to 19 study programmes, adult education for learners aged 19 and over, free Level 3 courses and Skills Bootcamps from providers on the DPS. Existing providers that wanted to keep receiving funding had to complete the DPS forms and join the updated system, so it is now how providers access this funding in South Tyneside.
Scope of Services
16 to 19 study programmes Adult Education Budget programmes (19+), funded by the North East CA Free Level 3 Courses for Jobs (19+), funded by the North East CA Skills Bootcamps funded by the DfE Skills Bootcamps funded by the North East CA
Lots
See framework link
Who Can Apply
Suits colleges, independent training providers, community learning organisations and specialist providers that can meet funding-body rules for post-16 programmes. As a DPS, it accepts applications now and until 31 July 2027.
Buyer Benefits
The DPS gives South Tyneside one compliant route to allocate several funding streams, with the flexibility to add providers when new programmes or skills priorities emerge. Commissioners value providers that meet funding rules, recruit the right learners and achieve qualifications and job outcomes.
Next Steps
Read Find a Tender notice 017260-2024 and access the documents through the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO) portal at www.nepo.org. Decide which funding strands fit your provision, prepare evidence of funding compliance, Ofsted outcomes and learner results, and apply. The DPS ends on 31 July 2027, so plan for its successor too.
How Athena Can Help
Funding-led DPSs reward providers who can show compliance and results. Athena's DPS application writing covers the selection questions and narrative responses for South Tyneside's system and checks them for compliance with each funding body's requirements before you submit through NEPO.
When programmes are competed, our education bid writers build win themes around learner outcomes and employer links, and our bid/no-bid decision tools help you decide which funding strands to pursue.
