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The compliant route to a new modular classroom

PF Modular has been awarded a place on ESPO Framework 953_26 Modular Buildings. Schools and public sector organisations can now procure a bespoke, high-quality modular classroom from us — without a separate tender process.

 

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Key Information

What is ESPO?

A public sector buying organisation with 40+ years behind it

ESPO is a public sector-owned professional buying organisation that provides over 100 procurement frameworks to schools, local authorities, NHS trusts and other public bodies across the UK. Its frameworks are free to access and provide a fully compliant route to market — meaning no separate, time-consuming tender process for your school.

 

How it Works

From enquiry to new classroom, step by step

Using ESPO Framework 953_26 to commission a PF Modular classroom is straightforward. Here’s what the journey looks like.

 

Procurement & build journey

 

1 Get in touch with our team

Tell us about your requirements, site, budget and timescales. We’ll quickly confirm what’s feasible and whether your project is likely to qualify for Permitted Development Rights — potentially saving months on planning.

2 Site survey and bespoke design

We carry out a full site survey and develop a design tailored to your school — the right size, layout, internal specification, and exterior finish to complement your existing buildings.

3 Commission via the ESPO framework

Your school places the order through a direct call-off or mini-competition under Framework 953_26. No separate tender. No procurement risk. We manage Building Regulations compliance on your behalf.

4 Off-site manufacture

Your classroom is built to your exact specification in our controlled factory environment while groundworks proceed simultaneously on your site — dramatically compressing the overall programme.

5 Delivery, installation and fit-out

Crane delivery and installation typically takes 1–2 days on-site. Trades fit-out takes a further 5–7 days. Most installations are scheduled during school holidays to minimise any disruption.

6 Handover and beyond

We hand over your new classroom ready for use — complete with Energy Performance Certificate and all Building Regulations sign-off. Ongoing maintenance support is available.

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Compliance - Every building meets every standard

All PF Modular classrooms are designed and built to comply with the full suite of DfE Building Bulletins and UK Building Regulations — not as a baseline, but as a starting point.
Acoustic Design of Schools. Sets noise, insulation and reverberation standards essential for speech intelligibility in classrooms.

"One of the biggest challenges schools face when expanding their estate is navigating the procurement process — and this framework removes that barrier entirely. Being awarded a place on ESPO Framework 953_26 means that any school or public sector body can now commission a bespoke, high-quality modular classroom from us through a simple, fully compliant route.

We've been building modular classrooms for schools for many years and we understand the pressures headteachers and business managers are under. This appointment is about making it easier for them to get the spaces they need — quickly, affordably and without compromise on quality."

Richard Crawford — Founder and Managing Director, PF Modular

Common questions about using the ESPO framework

What type of schools can use this framework?

Any publicly funded school or educational body in the UK can use ESPO frameworks — including local authority schools, academy trusts, multi-academy trusts, free schools, special schools, alternative provision settings and colleges. Independent schools may also be eligible. If you’re unsure, get in touch and we’ll confirm.

Does using the framework mean we skip our school's own procurement rules?

Not at all — the ESPO framework is designed to satisfy public sector procurement requirements, including those under the Procurement Act 2023. Using it is itself the compliant procurement route. You should still follow your trust or local authority’s internal financial authorisation procedures, but you do not need to run a separate full tender exercise.

What's the difference between a direct call-off and a mini-competition?

A direct call-off means you commission PF Modular directly under the framework terms without comparing other framework suppliers — typically used for smaller or straightforward projects. A mini-competition invites two or more framework suppliers to quote, adding a further competitive layer — often used for larger or more complex projects. We can advise which approach is appropriate for your project.

Will we still need planning permisson?

Not necessarily. Under Permitted Development Rights (PDRs) updated in April 2021, many school building projects can proceed without a full planning application, provided the new building doesn’t exceed 25% of the school’s footprint as it stood on 21 April 2021 (or 250m², whichever is greater), is no more than two storeys, and doesn’t encroach on protected playing fields. In some cases a Prior Approval Notification is still required. We assess your PDR position as part of our feasibility consultation at no charge.

How long will the project take?

Because modular buildings are manufactured off-site while groundworks proceed simultaneously, overall programmes are dramatically shorter than traditional construction. Delivery and crane installation typically takes 1–2 days on-site; trades fit-out takes a further 5–7 days. In many cases, schools can commission a new classroom and have it ready for the start of term — something virtually impossible with traditional construction, which typically takes 12–18 months.

Can we get a SEND classroom through the framework?

Yes. We design and build bespoke SEND classrooms, specially resourced provision (SRP) spaces and alternative provision buildings to BB104 area guidelines. These can include sensory-appropriate lighting, wider doorways, accessible toilet facilities, secure outdoor access, breakout spaces and specialist fittings — all designed around the specific needs of your pupils.

Is there a cost to the ESPO framework?

No. ESPO frameworks are free to access for eligible public sector bodies. There are no charges for using the framework beyond the cost of your building project itself. PF Modular pays a framework administration fee to ESPO — this is already factored into our pricing and does not create any additional cost for schools.

Can we spread the cost of a project through finance?

Yes. We work with a specialist finance partner to help schools access competitive asset finance for modular building projects. Spreading the cost through finance can make a significant difference to cash-flow, allowing you to proceed with a high-quality building now rather than waiting to accumulate capital. We can provide an introduction to explore the options available.

Talk To Us About Your School Building project

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