TEF 2023 awards of Gold, Silver and Bronze are based on universities’ performance across two key aspects: ‘student experience’ and ‘student outcomes’
The Office for Students (OfS) has published the results of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. The University of Cambridge has received a Gold award, the highest available to participating higher education providers.
TEF awards are based on universities’ performances across two aspects: the student experience and student outcomes. The University of Cambridge received a Gold rating in these aspects and an overall rating of Gold.
Student experience and outcomes are measured using datasets including Student Barometer Surveys and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data collected by the UK Government. Qualitative sources such as universities' own narrative submissions of their educational offer and student support are also taken into account. In addition, this TEF round marks the first use of student submissions to inform universities’ individual TEF ratings.
Professor Bhaskar Vira, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education, said: “I am delighted that the University of Cambridge has been awarded a Gold rating – the highest TEF rating available to participating universities. A Gold rating means that the student experience and student outcomes are typically outstanding for all our groups of students, including students from underrepresented groups, and across our range of courses and subjects.
“Excellent teaching that is based on our outstanding research, exceptional learning opportunities and individualised student support are at the heart of the Collegiate University’s educational mission, and we are glad that this has been recognised by the OfS’s TEF panel in its latest round of assessments.
“The University’s Gold TEF rating is testimony to the exceptional work of our dedicated teaching, support and technical staff, and I would like to thank them for their continued commitment to ensuring that our students thrive, both academically and personally.
“I would also like to thank our students for their role as active learners, and for their engagement and feedback, which is invaluable to our ability to continually improve our educational practice and facilities. Finally, I am grateful to the Student Union team who provided a detailed student submission to the TEF panel.”