Harper Adams University strikes TEF gold

Harper Adams University is one of the UK’s leading universities for agri-food higher education thanks to a Gold rating from the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

The TEF, which has been overseen by the Higher Education Funding Council for England, aims to recognise excellent learning and teaching in universities and colleges delivering degree courses, and in turn to help prospective students make informed choices about their higher education.

Harper Adams is one of only 59 higher education providers to have achieved Gold, the highest TEF outcome. Based on the evidence available, the TEF Panel judged that “Harper Adams University delivers consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students. It is of the highest quality found in the UK”.

A total of 295 universities, colleges and alternative providers have been assessed based on metrics including their National Student Survey results, graduate employment statistics and student continuation rates, in addition to evidence submitted by each institution.

In a statement issued alongside the gold rating, the TEF assessment panel highlighted the excellent achievements of Harper Adams students from all backgrounds, and their outstanding levels of satisfaction with their university experience.

Assessors said the award of gold also reflected the university’s “strategic and inclusive approach” in support of student learning; outstanding personalised provision; excellent teaching and assessment practice; sustained and strategic investment in resources and an embedded university-wide culture that facilitates, recognises and rewards excellent teaching.

Welcoming the outcome, Harper Adams University Vice-Chancellor, Dr David Llewellyn said:

“Our top rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework is the culmination of a remarkable year for the University, in which we were placed first in a national ranking of student experience, were awarded the WhatUni University of the Year title and were named the Modern University of the Year by the Sunday Times. We are thrilled to have achieved this TEF outcome.

"It reflects well not only on our staff and students, but also on employers and other supporters of the University who have contributed to a very positive result. We will continue to work hard to provide the best possible education for our students and to produce graduates who will make a real difference to the success of the important industry sectors with which we work.”

Madeleine Atkins, Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England, said:

“Students invest significant amounts of time and money in their higher education. They rightly expect a high-quality learning experience and outcomes that reflect their potential. The UK already has a high bar for quality and standards, which all universities and colleges must meet. But the TEF judges excellence above and beyond this, clearly showing the highest levels across the sector.

“The TEF measures the things that students themselves say they care about: high-quality, engaged teaching and a supportive, stimulating learning environment which equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their potential, and then to progress to a good job or further study.”

The TEF results and the evidence used in the assessment can be found at www.hefce.ac.uk/lt/tef. The TEF awards will also be published on Unistats and the UCAS website, alongside other information to help inform prospective students’ choices.