The Education Funding Agency has shortlisted 37 firms to bid for a new mega-framework covering school remodelling and repair jobs.
An estimated £5bn worth of work could be put through the schools upgrade regional framework, although councils will be free to use their own procurement routes.
The contractors have been shortlisted across the six regions, for a place on a seven-strong panel for jobs valued between £3-£7m.
BAM Construction, Kier, Willmott Dixon and Wates have made the cut to tender in all six regions, with Bowmer and Kirkland, Interserve and ISG in the hunt for five regions.
The likes of Conlon Construction, Clegg, Lindum, Rydon, Stepnell, SET Construction and Speller Metcalfe are also in the bidding against the big players.
Each regional framework will kick into action in July and run for four years.