Blackpool and The Fylde College has been recognised as the only college in Lancashire offering gold standard programmes to its higher education students.
The new “gold” rating from the Government’s national Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) means B&FC delivers consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students. B&FC is one of only 14 colleges nationally to receive the highest rating, which puts the its higher education provision among the UK’s elite.
The framework was set up by government to recognise and reward excellent teaching and learning and is releasing its ratings for the first time this year.
Bev Robinson, Principal and Chief Exec at B&FC, said: “To receive the highest possible rating in the TEF in its first year is testament to the standards at B&FC.
“This gold rating gives further assurance to students, employers, teachers and parents that choosing a degree with B&FC is a guarantee of the highest level of education in the country leading to a wealth of career prospects.”
The aim of the TEF is to provide students with better information when making choices about what and where to study, as well as recognising and rewarding excellent teaching and ensuring institutions are meeting the needs of industry.
Cheryl Dunn, Vice Principal HE and Student Enhancement at B&FC, said: “At B&FC we work closely with industry partners, often co-creating programmes with them to ensure we are preparing students for the workforce.
“Our programmes prepare students for rewarding roles in a wide range of industries and I believe our talented teaching staff are second to none, a view which is now backed up by our gold rating.”
B&FC offers more than 60 degrees accredited by long-standing partner Lancaster University, ranked in the top 10 of universities in the UK. In September 2016, the College was granted Foundation Degree Awarding Powers.
Lancashire institutions TEF ratings table
Institution | TEF rating |
B&FC | Gold |
Lancaster University | Gold |
Edge Hill University | Gold |
University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) | Silver |
Myerscough College | Silver |
Furness College | Silver |
Preston’s College | Bronze |
Blackburn College | Bronze |
Hopwood Hall College | Bronze |
Accrington and Rossendale College | Bronze |
Cardinal Newman College | Provisional |