NTF and CATE
The National Teaching Fellowship (NTF) and Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE), coordinated by Advance HE, recognise and reward excellence in teaching in Higher Education in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The NTF scheme was established in 2000, whilst CATE was introduced in 2016.
The University has had continued success for many years in the NTF and CATE schemes. In 2026 Dr Saneeya Qureshi, Head of Researcher Development and Culture at The Academy, was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship (NTF), while the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Interprofessional Schwartz Round Steering Group received a Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE). Dr Tunde Varga-Atkins and Dr Kerry Traynor were both successful in 2025 and, in 2024, an unprecedented number of colleagues were successful. Dr Sue Bolt, from the Academy, and Prof Ewan Russell, from Mathematics, were both awarded NTF for their outstanding Impact on the teaching profession and student outcomes respectively. Sue Bolt was also a member of the winning CATE team Liverpool Online led by Dr Lisa Day.
Lisa reflects on the experience of applying for the award and the success of Liverpool Online.
Listen to the Academy Podcast where members of the winning Liverpool online CATE team share their perspectives on winning the award.
The scheme aims to:
- raise the profile of learning and teaching
- recognise and celebrate individuals and teams who make an outstanding impact on the student learning experience
- provide a national focus for institutional teaching and learning excellence schemes.
Call for expressions of interest in submitting an application for an award in 2028
The deadline for internal expressions of interest is 12noon on Friday, 10 September 2027.
All expressions of interest for NTF and CATE should be informed by the most current Advance HE Guidelines.
Individual award (NTF) and collaborative award (CATE)
As soon as Advance HE release the new guidelines and criteria we will make the Expression of Interest and Line Manager Statement of Support forms available, we are expecting this sometime in October/November 2026.
Next steps
In the first instance, and prior to submitting an expression of interest in September, please email theacademy@liverpool.ac.uk using the email subject NTF/CATE query.
Colleagues who have attended the Pipeline in 2027 or in previous years can request feedback on one draft expression of interest from The Academy if sent to theacademy@liverpool.ac.uk before Friday, 2 July 2027.
Decisions on which candidates are to be asked to prepare a full application are made by a panel that works with the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education, with senior representation included from each Faculty. The group usually expects to select up to three individual members of staff to prepare the full application for NTF and up to one CATE team. Those chosen are allocated mentors.
The process within the University for applications under the scheme is coordinated by The Leadership, Organisational, Professional and Academic Development Academy.
Learn more about applying for NTF and CATE
NTF/CATE Pipeline Programme
University of Liverpool colleagues who are interested in submitting an expression of interest to apply for either a National Teaching Fellow award or Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence in the future can apply to join the Pipeline Programme.
The Pipeline Programme is jointly run with and for colleagues from multiple universities. The programme consists of 4-5 online workshops typically between March-June, supplemented by online resources. It brings in sector experts, and provides lots of opportunities for networking and hearing from NTFs and CATE winners from other universities. Details of the programme from 2027 will be released as soon as possible. We are expecting this information in November/December 2026.
NTF and CATE roadshows
Advance HE, in collaboration with the Association of National Teaching Fellows (ANTF) and the CATE Winners' Network (CATE-Net), will again be presenting a series of free, virtual roadshows in 2026-27 to support those interested in applying for the Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE) or the National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTFS). Full information and booking links are available on the Teaching Excellence Awards webpages (under heading: Now Open for Registration: ANTF and CATE-Net Online Roadshows for 2026-27).
CATE-Net Roadshows 2026-27
These virtual roadshows, facilitated by CATE-Net and the Advance HE Awards Team, will provide an overview of CATE, guidance on the application process, practical advice from previous CATE winners and an opportunity to ask questions.
- Roadshow 1: Monday 28 September 2026, 2.30pm until 4pm
- Roadshow 2: Tuesday 10 November 2026, 3pm until 4.30pm
- Roadshow 3: Thursday 3 December 2026, 12noon until 1.30pm
- Roadshow 4: Thursday 25 February 2027, 12noon until 1.30pm - this is aimed at those considering a 2028 submission.
ANTF Roadshows 2026-27
These virtual roadshows, facilitated by the ANTF Committee and the Advance HE Awards Team, will offer insights and guidance throughout the NTFS application process.
- Roadshow 1 - NTF, is it for me?
Thursday 22 October 2026, 1pm until 2pm - Roadshow 2 - What do I write?
Tuesday 8 December 2026, 12noon until 1pm - Roadshow 3 - Getting Over the Finish Line
Wednesday 27 January 2027, 12noon until 1pm
For queries about the roadshows, please contact ntfs@advance-he.ac.uk or cate@advance-he.ac.uk, and for support with bookings, please contact events@advance-he.ac.uk.
Explore our offer
The Academic Development team has created an interactive guide to support you in navigating the breadth of opportunities on offer.
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