Triple Gold for Norwich in the Teaching Excellence Framework

Norwich University of the Arts has been awarded triple gold – the highest accolade possible – in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023). The University has been awarded gold in its overall rating, as well as in the student experience and student outcomes categories.

It is the only specialist creative arts and design University to earn a triple gold TEF rating and is among just 15% of the 175 HE institutions to achieve triple gold status. The award acknowledges our commitment to exceptional teaching, delivering effective learning, and producing outstanding student outcomes.

“We are delighted that our teaching has been rated as among the best in the country. The Gold award is testament to the strength and depth of teaching and learning across our university, to the hard work and dedication of our staff, and most importantly to the commitment of our students to their creativity.

At Norwich we are committed to critical creativity, a unique approach delivered through industry-led and cross-disciplinary projects, designed to support our students to be the most effective independent creatives, fulfil their potential and acquire the knowledge, skills and understanding that they need to shape our world for the better.

As we move into our new building and develop our material and digital workshops, we are committed to the importance of creative education in supporting the ongoing expansion of the creative sector and industries.”

Professor Simon Ofield Kerr, Vice-Chancellor of the University

What is TEF?

The Teaching Excellence Framework (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.

The TEF uses evidence from a set of measures that focus on student satisfaction, retention rates and graduate employment, as well as a written submission from the University to decide on the level of award.

Why is TEF important?

Whatever their background, all students should have confidence that they will receive a high-quality receive a high-quality higher education and positive outcomes. TEF puts a spotlight on the quality of a university’s courses and helping to inform student choice and decision making The Teaching Excellence Framework encourages universities and colleges to deliver excellent teaching and learning for all their students. If they don’t, this affects their ability to achieve the highest TEF Gold ratings. Students are encouraged to use the TEF ratings – which provide a clear signal of a university’s excellence – alongside more detailed information when they are deciding what and where to study.