Further details of how universities will be rated under a new framework have been published.

As outlined in May’s OCR Policy Briefing, the Higher Education White Paper confirmed the government’s plans to implement a Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) in universities in England.

The Framework will assess and measure different aspects of teaching, including student experience and job prospects of graduates. It will give students more information before they apply to university about the teaching they will receive. The Framework will also be used to reward universities that are judged to deliver high-quality teaching by allowing them to raise their fees.

Assessment will be carried out early next year with ratings of gold, silver and bronze announced in May 2017. These ratings can then be used by students applying for university in autumn 2017 with the intention that it will give a clear picture of where they are likely to receive the best teaching.

Assessment will be carried out by peers comprised of experts in teaching and learning as well as student representatives, employer representatives and widening participation experts.

Amendments have been made to the initial TEF proposals: an appeals process for universities will be made available; and institutions from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be able to participate in the TEF should they wish to do so.