Furness College has received a Silver rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) exercise by the Office for Students.

Awarded by a panel of student representatives and independent academic experts, TEF ratings function as a badge of honour for higher education institutions, showing off the quality of undergraduate teaching and student outcomes.

The panel was particularly impressed with the learning environment and student support at Furness College.

Facilities were described as "very high quality," adding that the students seemed to have access to numerous "support mechanisms that are readily available."

The panel, while considering student outcomes, spoke of “outstanding" progression indicators as testament to the College working closely with local businesses and tailoring its higher education offer to fit the needs of the area and its residents.

Furness College student representative Emma Lafferty, said: “Furness College sets a high standard for higher education providers.

"Speaking from experience of multiple higher education providers, I must say my experience of Furness College has been set way above the rest.

"They are organised, confident and reliable and never too busy to help. This kind of attitude is what enables students to attain higher marks because they feel comfortable and supported to do so.

"Furness College have also made absolutely certain that my course relates to my career development and have also been able to navigate with me the outcomes of the course and where it could lead professionally.”

Nicola Cove, Principal and CEO at Furness College, shared her delight at the silver accolade.

She commended the students for their input and gave due credit to the tireless staff.

She said: “I am delighted that the College has been rated as Silver overall in the TEF 2023. The results are a testimony to the excellent teaching and positive student experience for those studying higher education at Furness College.

"I would like to thank the students for their input in our results and applaud the hard work of our dedicated staff. We know our students go onto fabulous careers when they graduate Furness College and we couldn’t be more proud of our Higher Education offering."