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The Higher Education Academy (HEA) was a British professional institution promoting excellence in higher education. Its work continues under the new name of Advance HE, after a merger with the Equality Challenge Unit and the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education.

Merged content from Higher Education Academy to here. See Talk:merger discussion sectionAdvance HE is a not-for-profit organisation and sector agency, formed in March 2018 from the merger of the Equality Challenge Unit, the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education and the Higher Education Academy.

History and formation
In 1997, the Dearing Report recommended the establishment of a professional body for  Lecturers, the Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, that would define standards and accredit training for university teaching. In a further recommendation, the Dearing Report suggested that during their probationary periods, all new Lecturers should be required to achieve 'at least associate membership' of the new Institute.

In January 2003, a committee established by HEFCE, Universities UK and the Standing Conference of Principals recommended the establishment of a single central body responsible for standards of teaching in higher education. In response, the Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education was merged with the Learning and Teaching Support Network and the National Coordination Team for the Teaching Quality Enhancement Fund, becoming the Higher Education Academy.

In March 2018, in response to the recommendations of the Bell Review for a single sector agency for equality and diversity, learning and teaching, and leadership and governance in higher education, Advance HE was created from the merger of the Equality Challenge Unit, the Higher Education Academy and the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education.

Aims and Purpose
Advance AE exists to develop and improve the management, governance and leadership skills of existing and future leaders of higher education. It continues the work of the three agencies whose merger created it. Its purpose is to advance the professional practice of higher education to improve outcomes for the benefit of students, staff and society. Advance HE has been created to be “of and for the sector” and is jointly owned by GuildHE and Universities UK.

It aims to create an inclusive culture that champions the continuous development of teaching, leadership and research. Advance HE uses an evidence-based approach to develop practice-based solutions.

Fellowships of the HEA and professional recognition
Advance HE continues to operate the professional recognition schemes formerly administered by the Higher Education Academy, for university teachers who have demonstrated that their teaching practices are well-aligned with the UK Professional Standards Framework. This is intended both to encourage excellence in teaching and to provide academics with a portable qualification transferable between institutions. There are four grades:


 * AFHEA – Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy


 * FHEA – Fellow of the Higher Education Academy


 * SFHEA – Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy


 * PFHEA – Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

The Associate Fellow grade represents the minimum level of competence expected of any university teacher, with the Fellow grade representing the level normally required in an established academic post. These grades can be awarded on the basis of an assessed portfolio (containing a candidate's statement and supporting references) or on completion of an accredited course such as a PGCHE or PGCAP. The higher grades of Senior Fellow and Principal Fellow represent significant leadership in the promotion of teaching excellence, and are only awarded on the basis of an assessed portfolio.