Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

Our teaching and support has been highlighted by the Office for Students
PALS training day

What is TEF Gold and why does it matter?

The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) helps universities focus on providing high-quality teaching. The ratings it gives show how well universities do in areas like course quality and overall reputation. These ratings can be really useful when you're trying to decide which university might be the best fit for you.
When choosing a university, it’s a good idea to check out their TEF ratings. They can help you see which universities are strong in teaching and student experience, so you can feel confident about your choice of where to study.

TEF 2023: Ratings of Gold across the board – overall, student experience and student outcomes

  • Our Gold rating is testament to the outstanding quality of the experiences we offer our students and reaffirms our approach to provide our graduates with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their future careers.
  • Our vision – embedded within the University Strategy 2030 – is to advance knowledge and transform lives. We are committed to deliver on that vision through a first-class student experience enriched by research, professional work, and self-development opportunities.
  • We are all about providing a student experience which is enriched by outstanding people and facilities, giving you the skills, knowledge and development to succeed.
TEF Gold logo with all areas 2023
 
The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) is a national scheme run by the Government’s Office for Students (OfS) 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. The OfS evaluation gives universities an overall rating as well as two underpinning ratings – one for the student experience and one for student outcomes.
The University of Plymouth aims to ensure every student, regardless of their background or circumstances, can reach their full potential – this commitment to its students is exemplified through the Plymouth Compass framework , designed to help all students develop as a critical and creative learner, sustainable and global citizen, competent and confident professional, and resilient and thriving individual.
In September 2023, the University of Plymouth was rated TEF Gold across the board. The TEF rating lasts for four years from September 2023, and full details can be found on the Office for Students website.

Our staff have immense energy, passion and skill that enables our students to enjoy an outstanding experience and education. Delivering excellence in teaching and learning is absolutely core to our mission of advancing knowledge and transforming lives. We are committed to helping students get the most out of their studies and extra-curricular activities, so they are prepared for whatever opportunities and challenges might come their way in the future.

John CurnowProfessor John Curnow
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Education and Student Experience