The Teaching Excellence Framework
The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) that evaluates universities and colleges on teaching quality, student experience, and student outcomes.
Universities and colleges that take part in the TEF are assessed and rated for excellence above a set of minimum requirements for quality and standards.
TEF focuses on two key areas:
Student experience (teaching, support, engagement)
Student outcomes (continuation, completion, progression)
The ratings reflect the extent to which a university or college delivers an excellent experience and outcomes for its mix of undergraduate students and across the range of its undergraduate courses and subjects.
Providers receive one of four ratings:
- Gold - Outstanding quality
- Silver - Very high quality
- Bronze - High quality
- Requires Improvement - Below the required standard
The TEF ratings are determined by expert panels, following a review of provider submissions, student submissions, and nationally benchmarked data. Panels make judgements based upon evidence of quality and consistency.
For more information on the TEF, please visit: About the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) - Office for Students
The University of Suffolk obtained a Silver TEF award in 2023, which remains valid until publication of the outcomes of the next TEF exercise (anticipated by the OfS to take place from 2027). A silver award recognises that the University delivers a very high-quality student experience and outcomes.
The OfS are currently engaging the sector in a consultation upon the proposed future approach to quality regulation. For more information on the progress of the TEF consultation and developments, please visit: Proposals for a revised approach to assessing and rating quality - Office for Students