A higher education expert has been appointed to lead the
review and ensure that the world’s first government-led
university rating system is delivering clarity for
students, it was announced yesterday (19 November).
Dame Shirley Pearce has been named as the independent
reviewer of the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes
Framework (TEF), which shines a light on universities
offering high quality teaching and genuine graduate
outcomes, and which ones are lagging behind, by rating them
as gold, silver or bronze.
The government is fulfilling a promise to students and the
sector that TEF be reviewed, so that the ratings allocated
to institutions best serve students making the choice about
where to study.
The former Vice Chancellor of Loughborough University was
officially appointed by the Education Secretary based on
her impressive experience within the sector that will give
her a unique insight into the needs of students, and enable
her to review the process by which TEF ratings are given to
universities.
This review will ensure the potential of the rating system
is maximised, so that prospective students up and down the
country can be sure of the value of the university they
choose.
Universities Minister said:
Students deserve access to accurate, relevant and
comprehensive information when they make the
life-changing decision to go to university. I am
committed to delivering this – the Teaching Excellence
and Student Outcomes Framework is an invaluable vehicle
for translating the vast array of complicated data into
useful and clear-cut ratings.
I am delighted to welcome Dame Shirley Pearce to join
this cause, conducting this review to guarantee the
maximum efficiency and precision of the TEF ratings
process.
Dame Shirley Pearce said:
This independent review is an important opportunity to
look at how TEF is being delivered and to make
recommendations for its future development. I am pleased
to be taking on this role and look forward to hearing the
views of the different providers of higher education as
well as the students, employers and general public who
are such important audiences for the TEF.
Dame Shirley Pearce will establish an advisory group to
assist with her review, which will conclude in Summer 2019.
Dame Shirley Pearce DBE has held senior executive and
non-executive roles in higher education, health and
policing. She is currently Chair of Court and Council at
the London School of Economics and Political Science, a
member of the Higher Education Quality Assurance Panel for
the Ministry of Education in Singapore, a Trustee for the
Royal Anniversary Trust, a member of the advisory board of
HCA UK and a member of the Committee for Standards in
Public Life.
