The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) was introduced in 2016 by the UK Government ‘to recognise and reward excellent learning and teaching’ in higher education.

In 2017, its first year of operation, each participating university submitting an evidenced narrative of teaching and learning activities to the TEF Panel, alongside with institution wide data already collected (such as NSS results, student retention and student outcomes).  

UCL is now preparing for the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) exercise in 2019-20, when we expect that the quality of our teaching and learning will be assessed at subject level.

TEF awards reflect how well an institution is performing against expectations for their student intake. UCL recruits talented and high performing students and it seeks to create an environment for the most challenging and fulfilling university education. UCL is notable for the strong results achieved by its students and for its excellent track record of supporting them into highly skilled employment. 

The process is managed by UCL Office of the Vice-Provost (Education & Student Affairs). 

“Our mission, outlined in our institutional strategy, UCL 2034, puts education on a par with research. That is why we support the fundamental idea behind the TEF, promoting and recognising excellent teaching and learning. We look forward to working with HEFCE to develop the framework into a robust and reliable measure of quality that helps prospective students to make informed choices about which university will be right for them." President & Provost Professor Michael Arthur