For the First Time, Oxford and Cambridge Slip from UK’s Top Three Universities

The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, famously known as “Oxbridge,” have lost their long-held grip on the top spots of the UK university league tables. 

For the first time in 32 years, neither institution has made it into the top three of The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.

According to the latest rankings, both Oxford and Cambridge were placed in joint fourth position. This marks a historic shift, as the two universities have dominated the top three since the guide began publishing in the 1990s.

LSE Retains top spot and Durham named university of the year

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) held on to first place for the second year in a row. LSE also collected several awards, including 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.

Just behind LSE is the University of St Andrews, taking second place, while Durham University surged into third place after climbing two spots from last year.

Durham University was not only ranked third but also named University of the Year 2026. Helen Davies, editor of the guide, called Durham’s rise “a significant achievement” in a very competitive top 10. 

She noted that Durham’s improvement in teaching quality, student satisfaction, and overall experience helped push it ahead of both Oxford and Cambridge.

Durham’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Karen O’Brien, praised the recognition, saying:

“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.”

Why the rankings changed

The Good University Guide ranks schools based on multiple factors, including student satisfaction with teaching, research quality, entry standards, sustainability efforts, and graduate employment. 

The shift shows how universities outside Oxbridge are gaining ground by focusing more on student experience, academic performance, and job prospects.

At the same time, the rankings also reflect changes in what students value. Helen Davies explained that more undergraduates are choosing to study closer to home and commute. To reflect this, this year’s guide introduced regional awards, naming the best universities in different parts of the UK.

Regional Winners

• London – London School of Economics (LSE)
  
• North and North East – Durham University
  
• East of England – University of Cambridge
  
• Midlands – University of Warwick
  
• South West – University of Bath
  
• South East – University of Oxford
  
• Northern Ireland – Queen’s Belfast University
  

What you should know

Interestingly, the picture is not the same across all university guides. The Guardian University Guide 2026, published just last week, ranked Oxford first and Cambridge third, showing how results vary depending on the criteria used.

On a global scale, Oxford continues to shine. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 placed Oxford as the number one university in the world for the ninth year in a row.

UK’s Top Ten Universities – Good University Guide 2026

1. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
   
2. University of St Andrews
   
3. Durham University
   
4. University of Oxford / University of Cambridge (joint)
   
5. Imperial College London
   
6. University of Bath
   
7. University of Warwick
   
8. University College London (UCL)
   
9. University of Bristol