Students stand to benefit from the significant number of academic staff who now hold an Advance HE Fellowship
Date: 5 November 2026
London Metropolitan University is celebrating a landmark achievement in professional development, with virtually all academic staff now recognised for their teaching excellence.
New figures show that 98.2 per cent of the University’s academic staff hold an Advance HE Fellowship - a nationally recognised indicator of professionalism in teaching and learning in higher education.
It also places London Met significantly ahead of both the UK sector average of 53 per cent and double the London higher education average of 49 per cent.
Attaining Fellowship requires staff to demonstrate a reflective and evidence-informed approach to teaching, curriculum design, student support and educational leadership.
With almost all eligible academic staff at London Met having achieved this professional recognition, it demonstrates the University’s sustained commitment to educational excellence, staff development and the focus on student success at the centre of the institution's strategy.
The University's improved metrics in recent years have been driven by the successful teaching and learning practices of staff. This includes engaging with high focus course enhancement issues, transforming the virtual learning environment, and improved engagement with students.
The impact was seen in the 2026 National Student Survey which showed an overall positivity score of 87.1 per cent – a significant increase from the year before, with improvements across all 10 themes.
The benefit for students
Professor Nona McDuff, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, said: “As the University continues to strengthen its commitment to outstanding education, reaching 98.2 per cent Fellowship recognition is a testament to the expertise and commitment of individual applicants, as well as to the colleagues who support them.
“It reflects a wider institutional culture in which professional learning, educational leadership and the recognition of excellent practice contribute to enhancing the experiences of London Met students.
“But our work is not done there. We will continue championing teaching excellence, professional learning and educational leadership across the University.”
Advance HE Fellowships directly enhance the student experience by improving teaching quality, boosting student confidence, and improving retention and academic achievement.
The remarkable achievement reflects years of collective effort across the University – from individual applicants investing significant time in reflecting on their practice and developing their submissions, to the expert guidance and support of Fellowship mentors, reviewers and colleagues.
Expert support from colleagues
Along with her team, Janet Gordon, Course Leader for the PGCert in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, has supported colleagues developing their practice and achieving professional recognition through the taught programme.
And Jennifer Hayes, continuing professional development in academic practice Scheme Lead, has played a key role in supporting colleagues applying for Fellowship through the University’s experiential route.
She said: “At the heart of this work is a commitment from all applicants to enhancing the student experience.
“Advance HE professional recognition is not simply about achieving an award, but provides a meaningful opportunity for colleagues to reflect on their practice, recognise their impact and continue their professional development.”
London Met also received a silver award in the most recent Teaching Excellence Framework - the government’s measure of teaching and student experience excellence in the higher education sector. It achieved a gold award for the student experience category.