DCG celebrates outstanding success in the National Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

Derby College Group (DCG) has been awarded Gold for Student Outcomes and Silver for Student Experience and Silver overall by the Teaching Excellence and Framework (TEF) panel of The Office for Students, who recognises excellent teaching in UK Higher Education providers.

The Student Outcomes assesses the extent to which all students achieve their educational and professional goals and the student overall experience during higher educational their journey.

DCG offers a wide range of Higher Education qualifications including Higher Nationals, Foundation Degrees and Degrees and these areas were specifically assessed.

DCG received extensive praise from the assessment panel across a broad range of areas including; the tailored support offered, the pastoral care it delivers, its ‘excellent completion and progression rates’ and the student voice.

The comprehensive report highlighted where the College excels, and stated:

“Overall, the student experience is excellent, life chances are enhanced, and satisfaction is above expectations. DCG offers opportunities in HE that would not be otherwise available to some students.

“DCG is committed to providing a high-quality teaching and learning experience, aligned to student needs and characteristics and employer requirements, extending opportunities for all students, irrespective of background enabling social mobility.

“DCG has a highly supportive learning environment and students have access to, and use, dedicated Academic Support Coaches to develop their academic skills, presentation skills and confidence. No student is left behind. Inclusion specialists, coaches and teachers ensure that all students with a disability continue and achieve in line with their peers. Student voice evidences the high regard students have for the wide and readily available range of outstanding academic support available to them.”

To further illustrate level of support and progression opportunities, case studies were highlighted in the report, including the following one:

‘A Security and Offender Management student who graduated from DCG is now studying for an MSc in Criminal Investigations at our partner institution. She originally started on an A Level pathway and says: “A Levels weren’t for me, so I left school after GCSEs and enrolled on the Level 3 Uniformed Public Services course at DCG.”

She commented that she had not thought about going into higher education before and had not realised that she would be able to stay at DCG to do a degree. She enjoyed her degree, liked the small class sizes and appreciated the rapport she already had with teachers when on Level 3. She added: “I found the experience and knowledge gained on the HE course around social research methods and conducting research extremely valuable, particularly going onto my MSc.”’

Kate Martin, Deputy Principle commented:

“We pride ourselves in providing exceptional education and fostering an environment of innovation and inclusivity. We are proud of our achievements and remain committed to providing our students with the best possible educational experience.

“Higher Education is an important part of our work at DCG and our Undergraduate students add to the diversity that makes our DCG such a special place.

“And DCG looks forward to continuing its journey of excellence, setting new aspirations in further and higher education, and empowering future generations of leaders and innovators.

“It is fantastic to be recognised By TEF for our HE provision.”

The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) encourages and recognises high-quality teaching and student outcomes in higher education. And universities and colleges are assessed every four years.

The extensive assessment is carried out by a panel of experts in learning and teaching, including academic and student members. The assessment involves analysing a considerable amount of data including national student survey data and also there is direct input from students, where interviews are conducted as part of the process.

More details about The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF): https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/teaching/about-the-tef/