COVENTRY University has received a Gold rating in a new government ranking of how well students are taught across UK universities.
The university achieved the top accolade in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) – published today by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).
A total of 134 higher education institutions took part in the TEF with just over 30 per cent achieving Gold, which means Coventry scored higher than several Russell Group institutions.
The TEF assesses universities on the quality of their teaching by looking at measures including student satisfaction, student retention rates and graduate employment levels.
Its award ratings of Gold, Silver and Bronze are valid for up to three years.
The TEF judging panel noted that Coventry has:
· “Consistently outstanding student support services to all students, in particular those from disadvantaged backgrounds, that support retention and progression.
· “A rigorous and critical approach to assessment and feedback that effectively supports students from all backgrounds towards progression and attainment.
· “An outstanding institutional culture that places emphasis on recognising and rewarding excellent teaching.
· “An outstanding focus on employability and developing entrepreneurship skills that are highly valued by employers.”
Professor John Latham, Vice-Chancellor of Coventry University said: “Voices of concern about the simplicity of the Teaching Excellence Framework measures don’t change the fact that a new order has been established in university rankings.
“It’s a clear message that universities must work harder for a recognised environment of success and that students are looking for more than historic reputation. They want to be taught by committed professionals who care about preparing them for the global workplace.
“The TEF is a wake-up call that shows a philosophy of independent learning must be backed up by quality teaching, particularly for the many talented students now coming into higher education with incredibly varied experiences and qualifications and who must be properly supported to flourish in the university environment.”
Coventry’s Gold rating in the TEF follows its performance in the Guardian University Guide 2018, in which it climbed to 12th place – its highest ranking.
It was also the highest placed modern university in the Complete University Guide 2018.
Professor Latham added: “This result validates the hard work and support of our exceptional staff, proving that outstanding student experience and teaching leads to great graduate job opportunities.”
