A number of competitions are expected to be held in the Yorkshire and Humberside, North West and North East regions each year, in line with the Education and Inspections Act 2006 which requires local authorities to hold competitions in most cases for new or replacement primary, secondary or special schools.
 
The three year framework contract will be led by Managing Director Peter Whelan and Senior Consultant Peter Berry, who formerly headed up communications at the National College for School Leadership and, before that, at City of York Council.
 
A contract for work in the Midlands has been awarded to Deloitte and in the South to OPM (Office for Public Management).
 
This further extends the government policy of local authorities acting as commissioners of new schools, which could be run by other public, private or voluntary sector organisations including faith groups, charitable trusts and parents’ groups.
 
DTW Managing Director Pete Whelan said: “The contract calls for a unique combination of skills and experience. Our background in local government and education, together with our understanding of public consultation and integrated communications campaigns, were the main ingredients in our bid success.”
 
Whelan said the work is principally local communications and consultation, but also involves advising bidders on the education-related aspects of their proposal. DTW has contracted in two former Directors of Education and Children’s Services, Jeremy Fitt and Jenny Lewis, to support this aspect of the work.
 
Peter Berry, who recently joined DTW, said: “Education is a sector that is constantly facing the challenge of change. It’s exciting and demanding, and we’re delighted to help with this important development in the nation’s schools.”
 
Work has already begun on the first competition under the 2006 Act, for a new primary school in Salford.