Both Nottingham universities rated ‘outstanding for teaching and learning’ in first gong by Government

Nottingham Trent University, left, and the University of Nottingham, right, have been rated 'outstanding' by the Government.

Both Nottingham universities have received a gold-standard Government award highlighting outstanding teaching and learning.

Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and the University of Nottingham (Uni of) were judged by higher education experts to deliver the highest quality of teaching in the UK.

The Teaching Excellence Framework is the first Government-led initiative evaluating the undergraduate experiences in universities.

It has been introduced to recognise excellent teaching to better inform students about where to study in the UK.

The judges highlighted NTU’s continuous improvement of student experience, and the Uni of’s status as an outstanding institution for research, producing international graduates sought after by world businesses.

Professor Edward Peck, vice-chancellor of Nottingham Trent, said: “This award of the highest accolade available for university teaching is testament to the commitment and creativity of our staff, students and partners in putting teaching quality and student satisfaction at the forefront of our approach to creating opportunity for all.

“Transforming the lives of students, providing a rounded experience, and supporting graduates with initiatives that help them to secure the jobs or further training that launch their careers are all hugely important issues.

“They are rightly the ones upon which to judge the contribution universities make to students and society.

“These results may challenge the established hierarchy of UK universities that we have become accustomed to seeing in many league tables run by newspapers.

“Nonetheless, the results of the Teaching Excellence Framework make clear to potential students and their parents and advisers where they can get the most benefit from their fees.”

All universities have today been awarded a gold, silver or bronze rating, based on teaching quality, learning environments and graduates’ employment rates.

Professor Sarah O’Hara, the Uni of’s vice-chancellor for education and student experience, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that we have received a TEF gold rating. It reflects the hard work and creativity of our teaching staff and support colleagues across our UK campuses.

“Every single one of them has contributed to this institutional award, and I want to thank them all.”

The gold award also reflects evaluation of student feedback and the level of contact time with staff and students.

Dr Paul Greatrix, registrar of the Uni of, said: “This is a real mark of confidence from the UK Government in the quality of our teaching and the support our students receive.

“From high-quality careers advice and guidance to the consistently outstanding outcomes achieved by our students we have been recognised for the quality of support we provide.

“Moreover, through our commitment to developing and using the most innovative learning technologies and high levels of student satisfaction, our institutional culture has been recognised as encouraging and rewarding excellent teaching.”