Celebrating the impact of teaching in higher education
We run two award programmes that recognise, promote and share teaching excellence in UK higher education.
The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTFS) and the Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE) highlight the exceptional contributions of individuals and teams who teach or support learning in UK higher education. These awards celebrate their achievements and offer a platform for sharing their expertise. Entry to both programmes is free for Advance HE members.
“Excellent teaching in higher education is about encouraging and embracing active curiosity; it’s about empowering ourselves, our students and our teams to rise to society’s challenges. The best teachers stimulate critical questioning and support their learners to navigate an uncertain and technologically evolving future with confidence and competence. Awards for teaching excellence are a crucial and public acknowledgment of the transformational effects of the best teaching and support for student learning.”Rebecca Huxley-Binns, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost Canterbury Christchurch University, NTFS Awarded 2012
National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTFS)
The NTFS has made a significant impact on both student outcomes and the teaching profession in higher education. Launched in 2000, it has made a considerable contribution to the sector's efforts to continuously improve learning and teaching for the benefit of students and society.
There are over 1,198 National Teaching Fellows, with up to 55 new awards made each year. On gaining the award, National Teaching Fellows play an ongoing role in enhancing teaching and learning within their institution, the higher education sector and further afield.
Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE)
Established in 2016, the CATE programme recognises and rewards the important role teamwork plays in enhancing teaching and learning through collaborative approaches. Since its introduction, 136 teams have received a CATE award for their collaborative teamwork.
CATE Roadshows
Facilitated by the CATE-Net Co-ordination Group and the Advance HE Awards Team, these virtual roadshows will offer an overview of the Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE) and guidance on the application process for those interested in applying in 2026. All will include a brief introduction to CATE and an overview of the professional and institutional benefits. The CATE application process will be outlined and there will be practical guidance and suggestions from previous CATE winners, plus time for questions and answers.
NTFS Roadshows
Facilitated by ANTF Committee Events co-ordinator, Professor Debbie Holley and the Advance HE Awards Team, this series of virtual roadshows will offer insights and guidance through the NTF application process. Each will focus on a different aspect of the scheme.
Each webinar is free and open to Advance HE UK Members.