Schools’ Flood Resilience Framework: Early Market Engagement

The Department for Education (DfE) has launched early market engagement for a major new programme to expand flood resilience measures at schools in high-risk areas across England. Register by 30 January.

A Prior Information Notice (PIN) published on 23 January 2026 sets out the DfE’s intention to establish regional design-and-build provision under its Schools Water Strategy (SWS) for the period 2026 to 2030, with the potential to extend contracts to March 2032.

This is relevant for NFRC Trade and Supplier Members involved in the blue and green roof space (and also businesses who are wider sustainable drainage and waterproofing specialists) with experience of flood and surface water risk management, particularly those able to deliver works in sensitive, live environments such as schools.

Virtual supplier engagement event – 4 February (register by 30 January)

DfE is hosting an online market engagement session on:

Date: Tuesday 4 February 2026
Time: 10:00–11:00

If you are interested in attending this market engagement event, please register your interest via Jaggaer by 15:00 on 30th January 2026.

Use this link: https://education.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html

This session is your chance to:

understand the likely scope, deliverables and assurance requirements
give practical feedback on feasibility, delivery timelines and constraints
learn more about expectations on social value and Modern Slavery requirements
discuss anticipated fee mechanisms

This PIN is not a call for competition, and DfE may refine requirements based on market feedback.

However, if DfE proceeds, the current estimate is that a formal tender notice will be issued on 27 February. DfE also states the framework would be procured under the Procurement Act 2023.

How much funding is involved?

The contract value is currently estimated at:

£57,000,000 excluding VAT
£68,400,000 including VAT

DfE’s Schools Water Strategy is described as an “invest to save” approach aimed at reducing repeat flood disruption across the school estate.

What work is expected?

The programme will expand existing Property Flood Resilience (PFR) installations, targeting schools in high-risk flood areas and those already affected by repeat flooding.

Works are anticipated to include a mix of:

Grey flood resilience solutions
Green (nature-based) solutions
Blue property flood resilience solutions

with design and build requirements and installation likely to be delivered predominantly during the school summer holiday period, subject to access and the type of works.

For Members working in the blue and green roof space, this is an excellent opportunity.

DfE is actively seeking engagement from organisations with experience delivering flood resilience solutions in school settings, including those with capability in:

Design and optioneering of flood resilience solutions
Construction and installation of PFR measures
Project management of construction works

Positively, DfE is also encouraging engagement from SMEs, either as direct providers or through subcontracting arrangements.

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