Building Equal Access to Chess in Schools

Description

The Department intends to publish a new opportunity in early 2026 for suppliers to deliver a contract for a new programme called Building Equal Access to Chess in Schools. We want to open up the world of chess to more children and young people in schools with the aim of bringing chess to more primary schools, secondary schools, special schools, and alternative provision settings across England, targeting settings with higher levels of disadvantage. As part of our mission to break down barriers to opportunity we want to ensure all children and young people regardless of their background have access to enrichment opportunities including chess. The purpose of the programme is to increase chess participation and improve access for schools with higher levels of disadvantage. Within those settings, we want to ensure that pupils who are least likely to take part have meaningful opportunities to engage and succeed, particularly children with SEND and girls. We would like to share high level thinking on the future of chess in schools, learn more about sector perspectives and gather feedback on our approach from potential suppliers. After the event, suppliers will be invited to complete a questionnaire to provide feedback that will support DfE's development of delivery models. The DfE is keen to maximise opportunities to participate in procurement for Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs). Consideration will also be given to consortia and collaborative bids from all forms of organisations should a competitive tender become available in the New Year. *Please be aware that registration is for the Market Engagement Event only. This event does not signify the commencement of any procurement process and does not constitute any commitment by the Department for Education. This is NOT an invitation to tender for a contract opportunity and any suppliers invited to the event will not have a privileged position in relation to any future contract opportunity. Any subsequent procurement(s) that DfE conducts will be based on the fair and objective outcome of a procurement process.*