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 included as part of Advance HE membership in the UK.
“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 1,300 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, more than 150 teams have received a CATE award for their collaborative teamwork.
Now Open for Registration: ANTF and CATE-Net Online Roadshows for 2026-27
Open to aspiring National Teaching Fellows, aspiring CATE team members and those who support them, these online roadshows provide an opportunity to learn more about the NTFS and CATE processes and criteria, and to hear from recent award winners and experienced members of the Teaching Excellence Awards community.
CATE-NET Roadshows 2026-27
CATE Roadshow 1
Monday 28 September 2026, 14:30–16:00
CATE Roadshow 2
Tuesday 10 November 2026, 15:00–16:30
CATE Roadshow 3
Thursday 3 December 2026, 12:00–13:30
CATE Roadshow 4
Thursday 25 February 2027, 12:00–13:30 (session aimed at 2028 submission)
ANTF Roadshows 2026-27
ANTF Roadshow 1: NTF, is it for me?
Thursday 22 October 2026, 13:00–14:00
This first webinar will cover the new guidance for institutions and individuals, highlight useful Advance HE resources, and include narratives from new award winners and ‘old’ hands sharing their journey to NTF.
ANTF Roadshow 2: What do I write?
Tuesday 8 December 2026, 12:00–13:00
This second webinar covers the three key areas of development for successful NTF applications. We draw upon the expertise of both Advance HE and ANTF committee members and offer thoughts and reflections about how best to frame your application.
ANTF Roadshow 3: Getting Over the Finish Line
Wednesday 27 January 2027, 12:00–13:00
Our final webinar in the series offers thoughts on polishing applications, gaining institutional buy-in, reminds Teaching Excellence Accreditation Lead (TEALs) of their roles and responsibilities, discusses what needs to go with institutional statements and lots more.
