Rm Regulatory News (RM.)

18 Jan 2007 11:28

RM PLC18 January 2007 RM appointed preferred bidder for Lambeth Council Building Schools for the Future ICT Contract RM has been appointed by the London Borough of Lambeth as preferred bidder forthe Authority's Building Schools for the Future (BSF) ICT contract. LambethCouncil's BSF programme will initially cover five schools, serving approximately2,600 pupils. RM already has a successful partnership with Lambeth Council through the LambethConnected Learning Project, which the Group has been delivering since February2005. The Lambeth BSF contract builds on this success and will provide a managedICT service, including RM's innovative Kaleidos learning platform software, forthe five schools involved. Commenting on the contract, Tim Pearson, CEO of RM, said: "The Lambeth Connected Learning Project is already delivering innovative ICTservices for many schools in Lambeth. Our selection as preferred bidder forLambeth's BSF programme is a clear demonstration that the work we've put in todeliver high levels of customer satisfaction with the existing project is beingrecognised." Phyllis Dunipace, Executive Director of Lambeth Council, said: "ICT is central to our BSF programme. We recognise that technology will beinstrumental in transforming secondary education in Lambeth to deliver ourvision. We already have a successful relationship with RM and we are delightedto have them as preferred partner for BSF. We have worked hard with RM andPartnerships for Schools to ensure educational and technical excellence as wellas value for money can be achieved." Tim Byles, Chief Executive of Partnerships for Schools, said: "I would like to congratulate RM on being appointed preferred ICT bidder forLambeth's BSF programme. We look forward to working with them, Lambeth and theirchosen construction partner to deliver transformational learning environments tothe pupils of Lambeth." For further information, please contact: Mike Greig/Phil Hemmings, RM plc 08709 200200 Mark Antelme, Brunswick 020 7404 5959 Notes: The RM Group is a leading provider of educational products and services toschools, colleges and universities, local government and central governmenteducation departments and agencies. Founded in 1973, RM works closely witheducationalists to use new products, processes and technology to improveteaching and learning and is recognised as a leading innovator in theeducational information and communications technology (ICT) arena. RM has been selected as preferred bidder for Lambeth Council's BSF ICT contractfollowing an extensive evaluation to ensure best value. This is the fifth BSF project RM has won. RM announced in February 2006 that ithad signed the first BSF ICT contract to be awarded, a £6.4 million contractwith Solihull Council; the Group was appointed preferred bidder byStoke-on-Trent City Council in September, and by Leeds City Council and KnowsleyMetropolitan Borough Council in November 2006. Building Schools for the Future (BSF) is a £45 billion Department for Educationand Skills initiative that will rebuild or substantially refurbish all Englishsecondary schools over the next 10-15 years. A key part of the initiative is toensure that schools develop a sustainable ICT strategy focused on improvingteaching and learning. £1,450 per pupil (over five years) is ring-fenced for thedelivery of managed ICT services in BSF schools. Partnerships for Schools is thegovernment agency responsible for delivering the BSF programme. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange