This award recognises teams for their collaborative work and excellent practice in teaching and learning.
The NTFS scheme is managed and facilitated by Advance HE, formerly the Higher Education Academy.
The Head of the Excellence Awards at Advance HE is currently Nicola Watchman Smith,[citation needed] previously Catriona Bell.
The schemes take place on an annual basis, with winners announced in August of each year.
As of 2021[update] there are over 915 National teaching fellows, with up to 55 individuals receiving the award each year.