Through the lens of implementing team-based learning (TBL), this paper unpacks elements of 'excellence' and investigates the influence of individual belief systems, the learning environment and institutional context in influencing perceptions of 'excellence'. We analyse the adoption of a student-centred approach to teaching and explore the implications for innovative approaches to teaching in a TEF environment. An outline of our findings in relation to TBL is discussed, and a conceptual framework of perceptions of excellence is presented. In recognition of the dichotomy between novice and expert learners, approaches to enhancing teaching excellence are discussed. We conclude with a mechanism by which metric-driven evaluation methods are likely to hinder pedagogical innovations and moves to enhance teaching excellence.