Oxford University has slipped out of the top three in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide for the first time in the league table’s 32-year history.
LSE Tops Rankings Again
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) held on to first place for the second consecutive year, followed by the University of St Andrews in second and Durham University in third.
Oxford and Cambridge were placed joint fourth, marking the first time neither of the historic institutions has secured a top-three spot. Last year Oxford was third, while Cambridge had already been pushed to fourth.
Durham, which climbed from fifth place last year, was also named University of the Year 2026.
Durham’s Rise and Oxbridge’s Decline
Helen Davies, editor of the Good University Guide, described Durham’s progress as “a significant achievement” in a highly competitive top 10.
“In doing so, it has outdone both Oxford and Cambridge, helping to push both of them out of the top three in our league table for the first time,” she said. “Its stellar academic performance was boosted this year by improvements in teaching quality and student experience.”
The annual rankings are based on factors including teaching quality, student satisfaction, research output, sustainability, graduate prospects and entry standards.
Oxford and Cambridge Face Stiff Competition
Despite slipping in the Times guide, Oxford retained top spot in the Guardian University Guide 2026 published last week, with Cambridge in third.
Meanwhile, LSE added to its accolades, picking up University of the Year for Academic Performance, Russell Group University of the Year, and joint runner-up for University of the Year for Graduate Employment.
Other Top Performers
The top 10 also included:
- 6th: Imperial College London
- 7th: University of Bath
- 8th: University of Warwick
- 9th: University College London
- 10th: University of Bristol
The University of Strathclyde narrowly missed the top 10 but was named runner-up University of the Year.
Regional universities of the year included LSE in London, Durham in the North East, Cambridge in the East, Warwick in the Midlands, Bath in the South West, Oxford in the South East, and Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland.
Changing Student Choices
Ms Davies noted that growing competition at top institutions is reshaping student decisions.
“Many more undergraduates are choosing to stay at home and commute,” she said. “It is why this year we have an award for the top university in each region and the best for scholarships and bursaries.”
Outstanding Place to Study
Durham’s vice-chancellor, Professor Karen O’Brien, welcomed the recognition:
“Durham is an outstanding place to study. We ensure that every student can grow and thrive here. Our loyal, engaged alumni are testament to the impressive career prospects that await our graduates.”
The full results of the Good University Guide will be published in a 96-page supplement with The Sunday Times on 21 September.
