What is the UK Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)?
The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) is the UK government’s official assessment of teaching quality at universities. Unlike league tables that focus on research reputation, TEF measures what actually matters to students: teaching quality, learning environment, and graduate outcomes.
Run by the Office for Students (OfS), an independent panel of academics and students assesses universities using National Student Survey (NSS) data, continuation rates, and graduate employment statistics. The most recent assessment in 2023 included 228 universities, with ratings valid until 2027.
Important: TEF is compulsory only for universities in England. Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish universities can voluntarily participate, but most don’t. This means TEF ratings primarily cover English institutions.
The Four TEF Ratings
Gold: Outstanding
Student experience and outcomes are typically outstanding. The university significantly exceeds baseline quality requirements.
2023: 46 institutions (20%)
Silver: Very High Quality
Very high quality with some outstanding features. High-quality teaching that exceeds baseline requirements.
2023: 100 institutions (44%)
Bronze: High Quality
High quality with some very high-quality features. Meets national baseline standards but doesn’t consistently exceed them.
Important: Bronze doesn’t mean “bad” – it still meets UK quality standards, just at baseline level.
2023: 29 institutions (13%)
Requires Improvement
Did not show enough evidence of excellence above minimum quality requirements. Specific concerns identified that need addressing.
For international students: When you’re paying £20,000+ per year, this rating warrants serious investigation. Check which areas need improvement and whether they affect your subject.
2023: Four institutions received this on individual aspects, none as overall rating
Why TEF Matters
TEF measures teaching, not research prestige. A Russell Group university might have Bronze for teaching while a less famous institution has Gold. TEF shows which universities actually invest in teaching quality.
Real student feedback. TEF uses NSS data – actual student opinions on teaching quality, not just institutional reputation.
Graduate outcomes. See how well graduates do in employment – crucial when investing in a degree for career prospects.
TEF Limitations (What It Doesn’t Tell You)
University-wide only. A Gold university might have weak departments. A Silver university might excel in your subject. TEF doesn’t show department-level variation.
Four-year validity. TEF ratings last four years. Quality can change during that time but ratings won’t reflect it.
Benchmarked, not absolute. TEF compares universities against expected performance for their student intake, not against each other directly.
No international student focus. TEF includes international students in the data but doesn’t measure international-specific support or satisfaction.
Our Badge System
We’ve simplified TEF ratings into two clear badges:
Outstanding Teaching
Criteria: TEF Gold
The highest recognition for teaching quality in the UK. Universities with this badge consistently deliver exceptional teaching, learning environment, and outcomes.
High Quality Teaching
Criteria: TEF Gold or Silver
Recognition for high-quality teaching meeting rigorous national standards. These universities demonstrate excellent teaching practices and strong student outcomes.
Use our TEF tables to filter by badge and find universities with proven teaching excellence.
How to Actually Use TEF
- Start with our badges – Filter for Outstanding Teaching or High Quality Teaching
- Check your subject – A Silver university might excel in your specific field
- Look at NSS scores for your subject – TEF is university-wide; NSS shows subject detail
- Compare with league tables – Balance teaching quality with research reputation and facilities
Red flags:
- Requires Improvement rating (investigate thoroughly)
- Downgraded from previous assessment
- Low continuation rates in your subject
Bottom Line
TEF is genuinely useful for identifying universities that invest in teaching, but it’s not the whole picture. Use it alongside subject rankings and NSS data for your specific course.
The “best” university isn’t always Gold-rated – it’s the one that’s best for your subject and goals. A Bronze university might be excellent in your field. A Gold university might have a weak department.
View our TEF-filtered tables or book a consultation to discuss your options.
TEF ratings based on 2023 assessment, valid until 2027