The government has scrapped a retendering process for its academies project management framework amid continuing uncertainty over the future of schools procurement

However, the existing framework, which includes EC Harris, Capita Symonds and Appleyards, has been extended until next April, and may be used to let the government鈥檚 current academy projects and, potentially, the free schools.

It is understood that companies had been involved in a tendering process for the replacement academies project management and educational services framework since the start of 2010. However, they were told recently that the tender had been cancelled and that the current framework, which was due to expire this year, would be extended until April 2011. An option of a one-year extension was included when the framework was established three years ago.

The 10 organisations appointed to the framework when it was launched in 2007 were Appleyards Consulting, Alligan, Cambridge Education (including Mott MacDonald), Capita Symonds, EC Harris with VT Education & Skills, Mouchel Parkman, Nord Anglia Education with Buro Four, PKF, Place Group and Tribal Children鈥檚 Services.

A source close to the framework said consultants had been told that the framework would remain in place while the department considered its options for the delivery of academies in future.