The Department of Education seek architects and consultants for a Regenerative School Pilot project

The Department of Education has launched their search for an “innovation lead and academic adviser” to deliver a £33m pilot of ultra-low-carbon schools.

The teams will be appointed to research, develop and deliver six standard designs as part of the 10-year plan for the Education Estate. This will see the creation of a number of single and dual buildings for school sites, alongside interventions to support biodiversity and improvements to existing buildings.

As part of the Regenerative Schools Programme, the pilot scheme will test “new solutions, technologies and construction methods – we will continue to look at how we can go further for our future design specifications as part of a research and development programme supported by £33 million to 2029-30. This will prioritise regenerative approaches looking at a wide range of outcomes from energy storage to bio-based construction materials, such as timber and working closely with Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on the Timber in Construction Road Map.” 

The innovative lead will identify opportunities for this nature-led retrofit and design to the demanding embodied carbon targets. Their involvement will start at the feasibility stage to establish material and accessibility strategies that provide a safe, low-carbon unit.

This role continues through concept development to overseeing the project delivery and once complete, produce guidance and resources for schools to iterate the work at a wider scale. At the same time, the academic advisor works in tandem to ensure that the six standardised designs meet the needs of the schools. Together, the parallel works will provide replicable solutions for the Department of Education. 

The tender is estimated to be announced on 17 April 2026 following market engagement in March 2026.