Regenerative Schools Programme - Technical and Academic advisors

The Regenerative Schools Pilot: The Department for Education intends to research, develop, and deliver a series of single and dual classroom, ultra‑low‑carbon school buildings under the Regenerative Schools Programme. This will be accompanied by a package of landscaping and retrofit interventions which will support biodiversity, passive heat‑reduction (such as tree shading), fabric upgrades to existing buildings (cladding and windows), sustainable drainage systems and the creation of outdoor learning spaces. This programme will also produce case studies, guidance and resources for schools. As part of the Regenerative Schools Programme, the Department intends to appoint two parties in August 2026: an Innovation Lead and an Academic Adviser. These organisations will produce feasibility studies, research the building materials and techniques required to produce ultra‑low‑carbon school buildings and develop 6 standard designs. Then, in March 2027, the Department plans to appoint a contractor to deliver the works, using the materials and methods specified by the Innovation Lead and Academic Advisers. Separate market engagement and tender events will be held for the construction contractor’s appointment. The Innovation Lead: The Innovation Lead will serve as the Department’s primary technical partner, guiding the programme from its earliest feasibility work through to the delivery of completed buildings. Your work will include developing an understanding of each school site, identifying opportunities for nature‑led retrofit, and delivering 6 standardised concept designs for new single and dual external classroom pods, ultra‑low‑carbon buildings that meet demanding embodied carbon targets. You will explore and develop a range of regenerative material strategies, produce clear and accessible design material, and provide the technical direction needed to ensure that the Department’s ambitions for low embodied carbon, buildability and replicability are embedded from the outset. As the programme moves from concept into development, the Innovation Lead will take on a client‑side assurance role, overseeing the Contractor’s design under the Pre‑Contract Services Agreement and ensuring alignment with carbon targets, safety standards, and the Department’s technical requirements. During the delivery phase you will provide project management and technical assurance, monitor the quality of off‑site manufacture and on‑site installation, support statutory compliance, and ensure that handover, commissioning, and early operation run smoothly. You will also be responsible for producing technical guidance, case studies, and updated documentation so that learning from the programme can be scaled across the wider education estate. Please see the accompanying attachment "UK2_Notice_Regenerative Schools Pilot, Innovation Lead" for full details. In addition, guidance for registering on our e‑tendering platform, Jaggaer, is included. Please read both attachments.