University TEF Classifications – What Do They Mean?

Understanding the TEF Ratings

Universities in England are awarded Gold, Silver, or Bronze classifications under the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). But what do these ratings actually mean, and how should you use them when choosing a university?

The TEF was introduced in 2017 by the UK government as a way to assess teaching quality in higher education institutions. While it primarily applies to universities in England, some institutions in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have also chosen to take part.

These ratings provide prospective students with an independent measure of teaching quality, helping them make informed decisions about where to study.

How Are TEF Ratings Assessed?

Universities are awarded their TEF classification based on a range of factors, including:

• Quality of course teaching – How well the university delivers engaging and high-quality teaching.
• Assessment and feedback – How effectively student progress is measured and how useful the feedback provided is.
• Academic support – The availability and quality of academic guidance and mentoring.
• Student retention – How well the university supports students in completing their courses.
• Graduate employment and further study – The percentage of graduates securing employment or continuing their education.
• Highly skilled employment and further study – How many graduates move into graduate-level jobs or postgraduate courses.

What Do Gold, Silver, and Bronze Ratings Mean?

• Gold⭐ – Universities with a Gold rating offer exceptional teaching, learning, and outcomes for students. They provide outstanding teaching resources and ensure that students from all backgrounds succeed in their studies and future careers.
• Silver⭐ – Universities with a Silver rating consistently exceed national standards for teaching quality. While they may not be as exceptional as Gold-rated universities, they still provide high-quality education and strong student support.
• Bronze⭐ – A Bronze rating indicates that the university meets minimum teaching standards, but may underperform in some areas. While most students still achieve good outcomes, there may be inconsistencies in teaching quality, support, or graduate prospects.

How Do TEF Ratings Differ from Other University Rankings?

Unlike traditional university rankings (such as The Times Good University Guide or The Guardian University Rankings), TEF does not rank universities in order. Instead, it groups them into Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories based on overall performance.

However, the data used to compile TEF ratings comes from many of the same sources as other rankings, including:

• The National Student Survey (NSS) – Student feedback on teaching quality and overall university experience.
• The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) – Data on student retention, completion rates, and graduate employment.
• Graduate Outcomes Survey – Tracks where graduates go after university.
• Individualised Learner Records – Detailed student data collected from universities.

Should You Use TEF Ratings When Choosing a University?

TEF ratings can be a useful guide, but they should not be the only factor in your decision. Here’s why:

• Not all universities take part in TEF, so some institutions may not have a rating.
• TEF measures overall university performance, rather than individual subjects or faculties—a university with a Bronze rating may still have excellent courses in specific subjects.
• Other university rankings consider additional factors such as research quality, student satisfaction, and campus facilities, which may also be important to you.

Final Thoughts

When choosing a university, it’s best to look at a combination of factors, including:
✅ TEF rating
✅ Course content and structure
✅ Entry requirements
✅ Graduate employment rates
✅ Student reviews and campus life

Use TEF as a general guide, but also research your specific course and university experience to find the best fit for you.