Oxford, Cambridge slip out of UK university top 3 rankings for the first time
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) held onto the top spot for a second consecutive year in the guide, followed by the University of St Andrews in second and Durham University in third
Oxford and Cambridge have been knocked out of the top three in the UK's most prestigious university rankings for the first time, according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) held onto the top spot for a second consecutive year in the guide, followed by the University of St Andrews in second and Durham University in third.
Oxford and Cambridge were placed joint fourth – the first time in the guide's history that neither has appeared in the top three – after Oxford ranked third and Cambridge fourth last year.
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Durham, which rose from fifth to third, was also named University of the Year.
Helen Davies, editor of the guide, said, "In a very competitive top 10 Durham has climbed two places in a year, which is a significant achievement."
This achievement placed it ahead of both Oxford and Cambridge, pushing them both out of the top three for the first time in the guide's history, The Independent quoted her as saying.
She attributed its stellar academic performance this year to improvements in teaching quality and student experience.
The Times and The Sunday Times have produced comprehensive university guides since 1993 and 1998, respectively, according to The Independent.
The rankings are based on factors such as teaching quality, student experience, entry standards, research output, sustainability, and graduate employability.
Notably, the Guardian University Guide 2026, released last week, placed Oxford first and Cambridge third.
LSE secured the title of 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.
Imperial College London ranked sixth in the new table, with Bath, Warwick, University College London, and Bristol taking the next four spots. Strathclyde narrowly missed the top 10 but was named runner-up University of the Year.
"Competition to get a place at our top-ranked institutions continues to grow, leaving some lower-tariff universities with recruitment challenges," said Davies.
She continued, "Many more undergraduates are choosing to stay at home and commute. It is why this year we have an award for the top university in each region and the best for scholarships and bursaries."
Meanwhile, Professor Karen O'Brien, vice-chancellor of Durham University, called the university an outstanding place to study, adding that the authorities ensure that every student can grow and thrive there.
