The ratings, which are awarded by a TEF panel of independent academic experts and student representatives, are designed to identify excellent undergraduate teaching and student outcomes and help prospective students to choose their courses.
For the first time, each higher education provider has been awarded a rating for each ‘aspect’ of the TEF: the student experience and student outcomes. This gives students more information about where the panel found excellent performance for each university and college. In total 73 universities and colleges were awarded Gold for at least one aspect.
Of the Gold ratings awarded:
- ten are for low entry tariff providers. A further seven low tariff providers have been awarded a Gold aspect
- seven are for medium entry tariff providers. A further five have been awarded a Gold aspect
- ten are for high entry tariff providers. A further eight have been awarded a Gold aspect
- nine are for specialist providers in creative arts subjects
- three are for specialist providers in other subjects. A further three have been awarded a Gold aspect
- seven are for providers that teach mainly Level 4 or 5 qualifications (these are mostly further education colleges). A further four have been awarded a Gold aspect.
Commenting, Susan Lapworth, chief executive of the OfS, said:
‘This is a moment for celebration of the very best of higher education in England. The TEF ratings we’ve published today clearly demonstrate the excellence on display in universities and colleges. Institutions right across the sector, and right around the country, have demonstrated that they deliver an outstanding student experience and outcomes.
‘Today’s TEF ratings will help guide future students as they make choices about what and where to study. They show that excellence is found in a diverse range of institutions, with students from all backgrounds receiving an excellent education that equips them for success beyond graduation.
‘We are grateful for the important role played by students in delivering these TEF outcomes. They provided credible and compelling submissions about the strengths and weaknesses of institutions. They joined the TEF panel, bringing insight and diverse perspectives to deliberations and judgements. The TEF ratings published today would be less meaningful without those contributions.
‘We look forward to discussing the TEF panel’s judgements with the sector, and supporting universities and colleges to draw on the richness of those findings as they continue to develop and improve their courses.’
Professor Sir Chris Husbands, chair of the TEF panel and vice-chancellor at Sheffield Hallam University, said:
‘This year’s TEF ratings confirm that England’s higher education sector deserves its world-leading reputation. Each university and college with a TEF rating – whether it is Gold, Silver or Bronze – has demonstrated to the independent TEF panel members that there are excellent aspects to its courses. These results cement the position of English higher education and will serve as an important driver for future improvement.
‘My thanks go to the student and academic TEF panel members who have worked diligently throughout this process, assessing complex information and data before reaching their judgements. Their expertise and commitment is essential to the success of TEF.'
