Strategic Partnership(s) for a Branch Campus in London and an International Pathway College (IPC) at Sheffield Campus

Award Criteria

Commercial and Quality

Description

Lot 1 - International Pathway College (IPC) at the Sheffield Campus. Sheffield Hallam University (the University) is pleased to present an opportunity for a strategic partner (the Partner) to collaborate with one of the UK's leading modern universities to manage and operate an International Pathway College (IPC). This venture combines the University's reputation for applied learning and teaching, and outstanding support for student success. We are looking for a commercial partnership that will enable us to deliver an IPC sustainably at scale, with the ability to create a consistently excellent student experience. This will be underpinned by effective organisation and management and result in excellent outcomes for our students. The scope will be (i) a defined set of mutually agreed Courses that will be developed for delivery through the partnership, and (ii) an operating model to support the Courses (e.g., engagement channels, support offer, systems, processes, data etc.) The scope of the mutually agreed Courses will be a range of level 0, 4 and 6 equivalent provision which suitably prepare students for onward progression to higher level study. Partner expertise and advice will be sought on the optimum delivery model, portfolio and enrolment points to maximise recruitment. We are seeking an experienced Partner, with a clear commitment to collaboration built on mutual trust and a shared commitment to student success. The Partnership is expected to run over a minimum period of 10 years, in part to comply with UKVI sponsor requirements. Our recruitment aspiration for the IPC is to achieve an intake of c.500 new students to the IPC by year 5 (2030/31), with high levels of onward progression to university delivered courses throughout. The International Pathway College will be integrated into the University's estate. Affinity and integration with the University community is key to supporting student retention and success and will enhance the student experience by allowing access to many of the resources, facilities and services distinctive to the University. The University is open to discussion around the most appropriate legal structure to support the delivery of an IPC. However, based on advice to date, the University has a preference for contractual joint venture or service delivery contract as the legal basis for the Partnership. The University expects to provide core infrastructure to support the delivery of the IPC with the Partner compensating the University for a proportion of costs incurred via a service fee (or equivalent) paid to the University. The sum of this fee is expected to reflect the scale and type of infrastructure and service provided by the University in support of delivery of the IPC, following negotiation with the Partner. It is anticipated that the University will pay a progression fee/commission to the Partner following the successful transition of a student from the IPC on to a degree pathway, this is expected to be a one-off payment and in line with equivalent payments to other recruitment Partners. The University has set a target to recruit c.500 new students per annum to the IPC by year 5 of operation. The Partner should be able to set a trajectory of growth toward this target volume, identifying anticipated volume of students across the IPC portfolio and indicate expected progression to University-delivered courses. Further detail is included in the full tender pack. The requirement is for circa 500 new students per annum to the IPC by year 5 and in subsequent years, trajectory of growth towards this target volume in years 1 to 4. Lot 2 - London Branch Campus. Sheffield Hallam University (the University) is happy to present an opportunity for a strategic partner (the Partner) to collaborate with one of the UK's leading modern universities to manage and operate our new London campus. This venture combines the University's reputation for applied learning and teaching, and outstanding student success, with the unmatched potential of a prime location in Brent Cross Town, an award-winning landmark regeneration project in North-West London. The new London campus represents the University's ambition to extend our reach and influence, with a clear strategic agenda for sustained long term growth. We are seeking a commercial partner to deliver a diverse range of courses at the London campus, designed to attract high numbers of students from UK and international markets. This partnership is critical to ensuring the operational and financial sustainability of the campus while meeting the needs of an increasingly dynamic and competitive higher education landscape. The University offers a combination of reputation, expertise, and ambition to the partnership, and an ideal foundation to create a thriving educational hub in one of the world's most vibrant cities. We will use this expertise and standing in the context of our Degree Awarding Powers to award high quality validated courses with long experience of strong recruitment, effective delivery, high student satisfaction and professional body accreditation; experience of working with public and private sector partners; and a robust Quality Assurance framework to ensure high standards and regulatory security. We require a strong partner to maximise the opportunity forged by the prime location and market for a new University campus in London. a summary of how those goods, services or works will be supplied, The University's London building is under construction and on-track for an anticipated opening date of September 2026. Sheffield Hallam is leasing the 6 lower floors of the first commercial building, occupying circa 110,000 sq. ft, featuring a low-carbon hybrid timber and concrete structure. The university will have its own dedicated entrance, plus cycling and shower facilities to support sustainable transport options for staff and students. The University's preferred approach is a model in which the Partner takes maximum responsibility for delivery, under the University's brand, and delivers Sheffield Hallam quality assured and validated courses to registered students, who will graduate with a Sheffield Hallam University degree. The University is open to discussion around the most appropriate legal structure to support the delivery of the London campus. However, based on advice to date, the University has a preference for contractual joint venture or service delivery contract as the legal basis for the Partnership. The University's preference is for the Partner to return to the University the lease costs for which the University is liable. The Partner would be responsible for the operation of the leased areas of the building. The Partner will be expected to maximise contribution from the campus, by successfully growing student income and designing efficient delivery within the context of the University's brand and quality expectations. The University anticipates agreement that investment (including Capital Expenditure incurred or planned) and operational costs will be borne by the Partner, irrespective of the volume of student enrolment and income. Where income is not sufficient to cover costs, the Partner will remain liable for agreed expenditure. Conversely, while the University expects a fixed share of revenue, the Partner will benefit directly from increased revenue associated with strong performance. As part of the agreement, the University and the Partner will need to devise a financial operating model that will enable both parties to manage accountability and financial flows between parties in a transparent, effective and efficient manner, with clearly agreed responsibilities. The taught portfolio for the London campus will consist of Sheffield Hallam University validated courses, agreed with the Partner, to meet the requirements of the market, and drive high volume of enrolment. The University has undertaken extensive research to identify and make ready an Undergraduate and Postgraduate portfolio, with existing strengths reflected in courses across Computing, Business, Finance, Accountancy, Psychology and Public Health, that are already validated and in delivery in Sheffield. It is assumed that portfolio selection will be agreed in collaborative dialogue, based on an assessment of viability, feasibility and desirability as jointly assessed by the University and Partner. Governance will be established to manage such decisions, and the University will have final control over portfolio approval, including courses, entry requirements, tariffs and discounts, whist also enabling agile development. At the University, the student is at the heart of everything we do. The London campus must have a vibrant culture that fosters a sense of belonging and community among students, enhancing their experience. We are committed to cultivating an environment where all students are challenged, supported and encouraged to succeed during and after their time with us. Further detail is included in the full tender pack. Contract award estimated December 2025, for a period of 10 years commencing with first student intake with the option for an additional 5 years by mutual agreement. Launch into market early 2026 with first student in-take September 2026. Direct and indirect services to support student flow proportionate to the available floorspace: Phase 1: 71,342sq ft of floor space available in academic year 2026/27. Phase 2: additional 39,396sq ft of floor space (110,738sq ft in total) is planned for academic year 2029/30. Please note, the estimated contract value for each Lot detailed in this notice are an estimate only and will depend on a number of factors including student numbers / growth and relative responsibilities and risks. The final value of the maximum length of the term may be above or below quotes figures.

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