The announcement places Spurgeon’s College in the top 26 universities and colleges in the UK who have been awarded triple TEF Gold, alongside Oxford and Cambridge.

Spurgeon’s is one of only three specialist institutions to be classified as Gold and is the only theological college to receive a Gold award.

This TEF award is for four years.

The TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) that aims to encourage higher education institutions to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students really care about: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies. The TEF does this by assessing and rating universities and colleges for excellence above a set of minimum requirements for quality and standards.

Providers that take part in the TEF receive an overall rating as well as two underpinning ratings – one for the student experience and one for student outcomes. These are all ranked at bronze, silver or gold. The ratings reflect the extent to which a provider delivers an excellent experience and outcomes for its students.

Professor Sir Les Ebdon, Chair of Spurgeon’s College, said: ‘In just one year, we’ve moved from receiving Full Degree Awarding Powers to securing a triple Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. This is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to our continuous commitment to provide high-quality, accessible education.’

Kim and Toby, students reps at the College, said: ‘The excellence we experience in the care and quality of education in reflected in this Gold award. The level of care mixed with professionalism that students receive at Spurgeon’s College is a role model for students and prepares us to be leaders in churches and the charity sector.’

The Revd Prof Philip McCormack, the Principal and Vice-Chancellor said, ‘The award of Gold in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework is independent, public recognition of the superb work of our academic and professional staff whose dedication and approach to quality ensures that all our students receive an excellent education and preparation as leaders in their communities. Spurgeon’s has a well-deserved reputation for quality and this award is evidence the College supports all of its students, irrespective of their backgrounds or start in life, to reach their full potential.’ 

Spurgeon’s is the Gold standard for theological education in the UK.