Sunderland University and Sunderland College ranked alongside Durham University in new ratings system

The TEF was introduced by Government to provide prospective students with the clear information they need to make informed choices about where to study.

More than 130 UK universities and other higher education institutions being awarded gold, silver or bronze ratings for the quality of their teaching.

Both Sunderland University and Sunderland College obtained silver status, ranking them alongside Durham University, which was one of the UK's leading universities which missed out on the top gold award.

Sunderland also rubs shoulders with other leading universities including York, Warwick, Sheffield, Manchester, Bristol.

Sunderland University vice-chancellor, Shirley Atkinson said: “We are delighted that the panel of assessors has awarded our learning and teaching provision as Silver.

"We are particularly pleased that they highlighted the excellent outcomes our students achieve thanks to our strong relationships with employers, enabling our graduates to begin their careers with relevant work-ready knowledge and skills.

"We know that we are delivering excellent research and practice-informed teaching to all of our students and that this is having a tangible impact on our graduates and the wider city and region.

“I’d like to thank all of our staff for their continued commitment to excellence and for supporting our students to achieve their ambitions.”

Harry Chirnside, president-elect of the University of Sunderland Students' Union said: “To have Sunderland rewarded and recognised for their outstanding academic teaching highlights the importance of this institution in successfully widening participation.

"This Silver award proves that the University of Sunderland is not only an anchor institute within the North East but also as a nationwide competitor for quality Higher Education provision."