Architecture: work in progress

DfE Target Architecture

Last reviewed
23 June 2026

How digital, data and technology services should be structured to deliver joined-up services, make better use of data and reduce duplication.

DfE Target Architecture separates user experience, business capabilities and operational data into reusable engines.

  • front-end engines provide shared user-facing capabilities and digital interfaces
  • business engines implement reusable policy and operational logic
  • data engines provide shared access to authoritative operational data

These engines are connected through APIs and supported by shared enabling platforms such as identity, integration, messaging and analytics.

Boxes and squares connected by arrows showing a complex visualisation of how target architecture works