Solihull College & University Centre is proud to announce that it is the only College in the West Midlands to have been awarded a Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) ‘Gold’ rating for its higher education provision.
The results of the Teaching Excellence Framework provide a new picture of excellence in teaching and learning in UK higher education. Institutions are given a rating to indicate the level of teaching quality they provide. The scheme has three criteria areas against which higher education institutions are rated – Teaching Quality; Learning Environment and Student Outcomes & Learning Gain – which then produce one overall rating.
The TEF assessment was completed by looking at student satisfaction, non-continuation rates and employment data. It also looked at additional evidence submitted by providers. The assessment carried out by peers comprised of teaching and learning experts, student representatives, employer representatives and widening participation experts.
Universities Minister Jo Johnson said; ‘By setting out clear incentives for universities, the framework will drive up quality in the sector at the same time as improving student choice and crucially, graduate outcomes – so that we can be confident we have the skills employers need now and for the future. The framework will also give students clear, understandable information about where the best teaching is on offer and for the first time, place teaching quality on a par with research at our universities’.
Madeleine Atkins, Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England, said: “The TEF measures the things that students themselves say they care about: high-quality, engaged teaching and a supportive, stimulating learning environment which equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their potential, and then to progress to a good job or further study.”
Solihull College & University Centre has been awarded the gold award after the panel considered their submission in relation to TEF criteria. Evidence proved that the College had ‘outstanding input to course design and curricular content, outstanding personalised provision, high quality physical and digital resources used to enhance student learning, and an embedded institutional culture with staff working towards higher education and teaching qualifications’.
Findings from the framework also stated that there were ‘excellent outcomes for students and outstanding levels of student satisfaction.’
Sue McGregor, Dean of Higher Education & Curriculum Innovation at the College stated ‘we are very proud that our institution has been recognised with a gold award. This is due to the dedication of our faculty and students. Receiving outstanding levels of student satisfaction and offering the best academic support is exactly what we work towards”.
The TEF results and the evidence used in the assessment can be found at the HEFCE website.
Find out more about Solihull College & University Centre’s University Level courses.
