A SILVER award has been given to a college.

The teaching excellence framework (TEF) at Heart of Worcestershire College was rated silver by the TEF panel.

The TEF has been introduced by the government for 2017 and aims to recognise and reward excellent teaching and learning in higher education.

Speaking about the award, Peter Robinson, assistant principal for higher education and standards at HoW College, said: "The college is delighted to obtain this recognition of the quality of our work, which, based on this system, is higher than most national universities, whilst our fees continue to remain lower to encourage those on lower incomes or who need greater flexibility to study higher education.

"The review has accurately identified strengths that we feel represent the uniqueness of our offer and the culture of support and challenge across our higher education and professional courses portfolio.

"In particular, the review found that in three years’ worth of surveys students always speak highly of our teaching, the academic support and feedback they get on their work."

The panel found that a high proportion of students who progress into employment or further study.