Silver service for students at Burnley College

The silver accolade, judged by an independent panel of education experts, students and employers, places the college on the same TEF ranking as top universities and colleges across the UK, including the University of Durham, Kings College, London, and the University of Manchester.

Karen Buchanan, principal of Burnley College, said: “We are delighted that the TEF panel have recognised the outstanding teaching which we offer our students who have had the courage to rise to the challenge of university-level study to make a change in their lives, whether that’s a new career or developing their skills for promotion. A world of opportunity and possibilities is opening up to them.

“We’re proud we are leading the way in cementing Burnley’s position as a university town with our campus at the heart of recent town centre developments: it’s the ideal location to build your future, whatever your starting point, with the support of our tutors who are industry experts and passionate about your success. Our links with industry are integral to our teaching and ensuring our graduates are in the prime position to gain successful careers in their chosen sector is at the heart of everything we do.”

The TEF awards were introduced by the Government to encourage excellent teaching in universities and colleges, with Silver awarded to educational establishments which consistently exceed rigorous national quality requirements.

The TEF panel also found that:

• University level students recorded exceptionally high satisfaction with teaching, assessment and feedback

• There is a culture which facilitates excellent teaching and a commitment to support disadvantaged students

• There is personalised provision for students to secure high levels of engagement and commitment from students

• A Personal, Professional and Development Plan for students encourages them to take increasing responsibility for their personal and academic development

• There has been significant investment in a specialised university block (with a learning resource centre and library) to support teaching

• An annual University Symposium encourages both staff and students to undertake research and present their findings.

Mrs Buchanan added: “We are not resting on our laurels with a silver TEF award: we’re aiming for the gold standard in our next inspection, which will place us alongside the most prestigious universities in the UK, including the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Our focus is to provide each and every one of our students with the very best opportunities to reach their full potential at degree level and provide them with the springboard they need to achieve successful careers as future leaders.”