For the first time in its 32-year history, neither Oxford nor Cambridge occupies a spot in the top three of The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, according to the 2026 edition of the league table.
The London School of Economics (LSE) retained its top position for a second consecutive year, followed by the University of St Andrews in second place and Durham University in third. Cambridge remained fourth, the same as last year, while Oxford fell from third to a joint fourth place.
Despite their overall ranking, Cambridge topped 14 subject tables, the most of any UK university, while Oxford was named medical school of the year. Durham’s rise in the rankings helped it secure the title of University of the Year for 2026, with the University of Strathclyde recognized in a separate category.
Helen Davies, editor of The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, highlighted Durham’s strong performance across teaching, student experience, and graduate outcomes. “In a very competitive top ten, Durham has climbed two places in a year, which is a significant achievement,” she said.
The guide evaluates universities using seven equally weighted metrics—teaching quality, student experience, research quality, entry standards, graduate prospects, proportion of firsts and 2:1s, and continuation rates—along with a half-weighting for sustainability. Other notable winners included Manchester Metropolitan, named modern university of the year, and Reading University, recognized for scholarships and bursaries. Imperial College London was honored for graduate employment.
Professor Karen O’Brien, vice-chancellor of Durham University, emphasized the institution’s commitment to bursaries and inclusion: “As a diverse, global community, we are making progress in welcoming more underrepresented students, including from our city and region.”
The rankings come as UK universities face increased pressure under proposed changes to the Office for Students (OfS) framework, which could link tuition fee levels to official teaching quality ratings. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson supported the reforms, stating they would hold universities accountable for the quality of teaching.
The Times UK noted that while 80% of undergraduates surveyed by YouGov reported satisfaction with their course, only 66% believed their degree would improve their financial prospects, highlighting ongoing concerns about student outcomes.
