National Delivery Partner for Chess Access in Schools (2026-2029)

The Department for Education is seeking a national delivery partner to establish and expand chess provision in 350-450 schools across England from April 2026 to March 2029. The £750,000 contract (with potential one-year extension) aims to increase chess participation among disadvantaged pupils, girls, and students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. The successful supplier will deliver chess coaching at least twice per term, provide adaptive resources, train school staff, support pupil leadership, facilitate competitions, and ensure sustained provision beyond the contract period. Schools must include at least 30% with high Free School Meals eligibility, with representation across all nine English regions, including 3% alternative provision and 8% special schools. The department welcomes bids from individual suppliers, charities, social enterprises, and consortia. Procurement will be launched via the Jaggaer eTendering platform with full requirements and key performance indicators in the tender documentation.