Leicester College Call for Turing Scheme Partners 2026/27

What this is

Leicester College seeks experienced international mobility placement providers to organize, manage, and deliver overseas further education-based placements for UK FE and HE students under the Turing Scheme 2026/27. The contract covers placements of 14-15 days (minimum 10 work/study days) or 7 days for SEND students, scheduled between October 2026 and August 2027, with an anticipated annual value of £25,000–£125,000.

Key points

• Deadline: 11am 14 September 2026 (submit to iwex@leicestercollege.ac.uk); clarification questions by 11am 1 September 2026.
• Contract period: 1 October 2026 – 31 August 2027, subject to external funding; placements 14–15 days (min 10 work/study days) or 7 days for SEND students.
• Minimum eligibility: demonstrable experience with UK FE/apprentice international mobility, evidence of supporting disadvantaged/SEND students, strong employer networks, understanding of Turing Scheme funding.
• Evaluation: five-point scoring framework (Q1–Q9); scores ≥4 invited to panel interview 21–22 September 2026; outcome 24 September 2026.
• Value range: £25,000–£125,000 annually; Leicester College may contract with one or more providers.
• Partner responsibilities: arrange placements, verify employer insurance, conduct H&S risk assessments, support Learning/Training Agreements, ensure student induction and safeguarding.

Who can bid

Open procedure; SME suitable. Experienced and reputable organisations with demonstrable track record in international mobility placements for UK FE students, including apprentices, and evidence of supporting disadvantaged, underrepresented, and SEND students. Leicester College may contract with one or more providers.

How it is scored

Five-point scoring framework applied to ten questions (Q1–Q9 scored; Q10 confidential). Responses scoring 4 or above advance to panel interview in August 2026 to discuss proposals, demonstrate understanding of Turing Scheme objectives (widening opportunity), and clarify delivery capacity. Scoring criteria include: Q1 Understanding of Turing Scheme (5 points), Q2 Employer Networks & Destinations (5 points), Q3 Student Support & Safeguarding (5 points), Q4 Accessibility & Inclusion (5 points), Q5 Risk Management (5 points), Q6 Value for Money (5 points), Q7 Quality Assurance (5 points), Q8 Delivery Capacity & Risk Management (5 points), Q9 Your Offer—Schedule, Capacity & Costs (5 points).

Money

Anticipated annual value approximately £25,000–£125,000 depending on provider capacity, costs, and student volumes. No minimum price stated.

Performance guarantee

Partner must assist in completion of Learning or Training Agreements for each participant; verify Host Employers have public liability or employer liability insurance; conduct health and safety risk assessments; ensure student induction includes risk management actions. Leicester College's liability limited to £500 (except fraud or non-excludable liability).

How to submit

Submit completed questionnaire to iwex@leicestercollege.ac.uk before 11am on 14 September 2026. Submission does not bind Leicester College to any contract.

Clarifications

Clarification deadline: 11am on 1 September 2026. Method not explicitly stated; contact iwex@leicestercollege.ac.uk.

Contract period

1 October 2026 – 31 August 2027, subject to external funding. Placements must be scheduled within this period (minimum 14–15 days with 10 work/study days, or 7 days for SEND students).

Classification

CPV 80000000 — Education and training services East MidlandsLeicester, England