What is TEF?

The Government introduced a Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) which aims to recognise and reward excellent learning and teaching. The purpose is to:
• Give students clear information about where teaching quality is best and where students have achieved the best outcomes;
• Encourage a stronger focus on the quality of teaching in higher education.

How is the TEF assessed?

There are 3 assessment criteria in the TEF. 

1. Teaching quality
2. Learning environment
3. Student outcomes and learning gain

Higher Education providers are assessed against these criteria through 6 core metrics and a 15 page
Provider submission. The metrics are based on scores from the National Student Survey (NSS), non-continuation, and information from the Destination of Leavers from Higher Education survey (DLHE).

Who assesses TEF?

Each institutions TEF submission is looked at by panel members and assessors appointed by the Department of Education. The TEF panel comprises students, academics, widening participation experts and employers. The panel has been appointed for their standing with higher education providers and students, and significant commitment to excellence in learning and teaching.

TEF outcomes

Providers will be awarded a rating of ‘Gold’, ‘Silver’ or ‘Bronze’. These outcomes are published online and included in Unistats and other major sources of student’s information. 

Northumbria is one of 299 higher education providers who participated in TEF. Northumbria has received a Silver Award. The award recognises that Northumbria delivers high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for its students and consistently exceeds rigorous national quality requirements for UK Higher Education.

Further information

Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE)

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service