Gold for York in Teaching Excellence Framework

Posted on 28 September 2023

The University of York has been awarded Gold in the latest national Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), the highest rating possible.

TEF uses evidence submitted by universities and students.

The judging panel noted that course content and delivery “inspire students to actively engage in and commit to their learning, and stretch students to develop knowledge and skills to their fullest potential.”

Positive outcomes

They also highlighted York’s “outstanding rates of continuation and completion for students and courses” and that it is “highly effective in ensuring its students succeed in and progress beyond their studies.”

TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) that aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

It uses evidence from a set of measures, including written submissions from universities and students.

The latest Gold assessment builds on York’s Top 10 ranking for the quality of its research in last year’s Research Excellence Framework (REF).

It also follows the announcement of two University of the Year shortlist nominations.

Academic excellence

Vice-Chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery said: “This is such wonderful news for York and a testament to all the hard work that underpins teaching and learning here.

“We believe our teaching standards stand out because we’re motivated by some really clear principles: academic excellence, public good, and equality of opportunity.

“Our submission highlighted the enormous commitment and creativity of our staff, as well as students who support and challenge us every step of the way. Our Faculties, Departments and Schools are full of inspiration and innovation, delivering outstanding education in all sorts of different ways, but there is always that golden thread that underpins it all: care and compassion for our students, and for creating opportunities for all to fulfil their potential.”

Love for teaching

Meely Doherty, YUSU Academic Officer, said: "York's Gold TEF comes as no surprise. One of the University's best selling-points is how passionate staff are about their remits, and this love for learning bleeds into their love for teaching.

“I couldn't have imagined studying anywhere else, and now as a Sabbatical Officer, I love how the student voice is tied into everything, so students are in the room, making decisions with staff on what their degree looks like. Students help shape their curriculum, and that's what makes the curriculum so successful."

York was awarded Gold last time the assessment was published in 2018. The 2023 award lasts for four years.