National award for leader who puts students at heart of decision-making

Dr Christie Pritchard has received a National Teaching Fellowship from Advance HE

National award for leader who puts students at heart of decision-making

Dr Christie Pritchard has received a National Teaching Fellowship from Advance HE

6 August 2026

In 2009 Dr Christie Pritchard graduated from the University of Plymouth determined to support and improve teaching, learning and the student experience.

Now, after years of sustained impact, her ‘outstanding work’ has been recognised with one of the most prestigious awards in higher education – the National Teaching Fellowship.

The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTFS) is run every year by Advance HE, and recognises those who have demonstrated sustained excellence, made outstanding contributions to enhancing the student learning experience, and whose work is shaping the future of teaching and learning across the UK.

Dr Pritchard is one of just 55 people nationwide named in this year’s awards, and the defining feature of her work is a commitment to understanding student experiences, involving them in research, strategy development and decision-making to ensure education remains student-centred.

A Plymouth graduate herself and the first in her family to go to university, Dr Pritchard’s experience led her on to advocate for, and work with, students to ensure that teaching and learning supported them at every step.

Throughout my career, I have been driven by the belief that educational excellence comes from empowering others to achieve success.

Working alongside academic staff and students to create supportive, inclusive environments has been at the heart of this journey, making the National Teaching Fellowship a particularly special recognition.

Most of all, I am proud that this award reflects the positive impact we have on our students, and I want to acknowledge the dedication of the colleagues in my department and across the institution who play such an important role in their success.

Dr Christie Pritchard
Associate Dean - Education and Student Experience

Powering the engine room of success

Dr Pritchard is Head of the University’s Centre for Teaching Enhancement and Innovation, which is the ‘engine room’ that underpins teaching excellence across Plymouth’s diverse programmes. Her work establishing new provision has directly impacted more than 50,000 students, and her innovations – including the University’s Writing Café (pictured) – have been emulated by other institutions.

A senior member of the University’s education leadership team, she has also played a significant role in shaping institutional strategy and contributed to the University’s successful Triple Gold Teaching Excellence Framework outcome. The major programmes of work she is currently leading include digital assessment transformation, artificial intelligence in education and the development of high-quality online and blended programme provision.

This is a fantastic achievement, and I am delighted to see Christie’s work recognised on the national stage.

Her work to put students at the heart of teaching and learning is absolutely pivotal to what we do here at Plymouth – shaping extraordinary futures, creating knowledge, innovation and opportunity in Plymouth, our region and around the world.

She is an inspiring leader, a respected colleague and a passionate advocate for student success. Everyone at the University is immensely proud of what she has accomplished, and this award is thoroughly deserved.

Professor Chris Bennewith
Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience at the University of Plymouth

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 National Teaching Fellowships and Collaborative Awards for Teaching Excellence.

They exemplify the dedication, creativity and leadership that underpin outstanding higher education.

Through their commitment to students and continual enhancement of teaching and learning, they are making a significant contribution to their institutions and the wider sector.

I am pleased to recognise their achievements and celebrate the impact they have made on students, colleagues and communities throughout the UK.

Alistair Jarvis CBE, Chief Executive of Advance HE

The NTFS recipients will be formally recognised alongside recipients of the Advance HE Collaborative Awards for Teaching Excellence at a ceremony in Edinburgh in September.

More information

National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTFS)

Teaching enhancement and innovation

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