About TEF data
Data plays a key role in informing TEF assessments. Here, we explain what data the TEF draws on, and how it’s used to assess performance.
What data is used in TEF?
The TEF draws on nationally collected data to measure the performance of higher education providers in the following areas:
- Student satisfaction - How satisfied students are with their course, as measured by responses to the National Student Survey (NSS).
- Continuation - The proportion of students that continue their studies from year to year, as measured by data collected by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).
- Employment outcomes - What students do after they graduate, as measured by responses to the Destination of Leavers from Higher Education survey (DLHE).
If a provider doesn’t have TEF metrics, it cannot receive a TEF rating but it can opt in to receive a Provisional TEF award.
Other data
These metrics are considered alongside further data, about student characteristics as well as the provider’s location and provision.
Providers also submit written evidence to illustrate their performance, and make a case for excellence.
Further information
Full details about how metrics are produced and used have been published as technical guidance for each year of TEF assessment.
View the technical guidance for TEF Year Four
View the technical guidance for TEF Year Three
View the technical guidance for TEF Year Two
