TEF: Silver rating for our university-level courses
28th September 2023 – Tags: Degrees and Higher Education
City College Norwich has been given a ‘Silver’ rating for the quality of our Higher Education teaching in the Office for Students’ Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
The college has been awarded a Silver rating overall, with a Silver rating for both student experience and student outcomes. This means that the student experience and outcomes at the college ‘are judged to be typically very high quality, and there may be some outstanding features’.
The ratings, which are awarded by a TEF panel of independent academic experts and student representatives, are designed to identify excellent undergraduate teaching and student outcomes and help prospective students to choose their courses.
'Very high quality' features
The panel's summary statement is now available.
In relation to student experience, the following were among the features cited as being of 'very high quality':
- Our curriculum is developed with employers, local authorities and community groups and in partnership with UEA.
- Our emphasis on small class sizes, participatory activities and a student-centred teaching method.
- Our compressed timetable makes studying easier for students who have caring, family and work commitments.
The 'very high quality' features cited in relation to student outcomes included:
- Our small group teaching means we provide students with more support that is tailored to individual needs.
- Our HE Tutorial Supervisor role has a positive impact in providing academic support - particularly for underrepresented groups.
- Our focus on progression and developing employability skills throughout students’ time with us.
High quality learning experiences and excellent outcomes
Commenting on today’s TEF ratings, Jerry White, Principal, City College Norwich, said:
This Silver rating in the TEF shows that the quality of our vocational, career-focused Higher Education stands comparison with the learning experience and student outcomes available at many prestigious universities.
This is a real testament to the successful partnership we have as an Associate College of UEA, our strong links with employers, and the sector experience and expertise of our Higher Education lecturers.”
Whilst the college has student accommodation on site at Easton College, most of its Higher Education students are Norfolk residents who have chosen to study close to home. Jerry White continues:
Our TEF rating, together with student feedback from the recent National Student Survey, demonstrates that local, college-based Higher Education can provide high-quality learning experiences and excellent outcomes. I hope that this will encourage more students to consider the employment-focused Higher Education opportunities that are available to them locally.”
The TEF assessments of universities and colleges are carried out every four years. Last time around, in 2019, City College Norwich was awarded a Bronze rating.
City College Norwich is one of just three colleges in the country to have improved their rating in this year’s TEF.
This latest piece of good news for Higher Education at the college follows on from the highly positive feedback by City College Norwich and Easton College students in this year’s National Student Survey.
Find out more about our Higher Education courses
Updated: 14 December 2023.