DURHAM University has been awarded a top teaching award.

The higher education institution won the highest possible accolade in the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework.

The ratings are judged by an independent panel of students, academics and other experts.

The panel praised the university for the excellent rates of progression to highly skilled employment or further study for full-time students, and the research-led education, which provides students with the employability skills which are most valued by employers.

The university’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education, Professor Alan Houston, said: “To be awarded gold is a wonderful recognition of the talent and dedication of our staff.

We strive to empower students through enquiry-based learning, and the impact of this can be seen through the remarkable achievements of our students.”

New College Durham achieved the silver standard in Teaching Excellence Framework.

Principal John Widdowson said: “We received very positive feedback regarding the College’s ability to offer a personalised approach to learning through small class sizes and regular individual tutorials.”