❓WHAT HAPPENED: Oxford and Cambridge universities have dropped out of the top three rankings in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide for the first time in 32 years.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The London School of Economics (LSE), Durham University, the University of St Andrews, the University of Oxford, and the University of Cambridge, among others.
📍WHEN & WHERE: The rankings were announced in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, with full results published on September 21.
💬KEY QUOTE: “In a very competitive top 10 Durham has climbed two places in a year, which is a significant achievement,” said Helen Davies, editor of The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide.
🎯IMPACT: LSE retained first place, Durham University was named University of the Year, and regional universities were highlighted for their performance, with Oxford and Cambridge falling to joint fourth.
For the first time in 32 years, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge have been pushed out of the top three rankings in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) retained the top spot for the second consecutive year, while the University of St Andrews ranked second, and Durham University climbed to third. Notably, this comes as the once-prestigious “Oxbridge” has been infected with woke ideology, with Oxford accepting incoming Oxford Union president George Abaraonye, who celebrated the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, despite poor grades, likely to meet racial diversity quotas.
Durham University was named University of the Year 2026 after improving its position from fifth place last year. Helen Davies, editor of the guide, noted that Durham’s rise was driven by “improvements in teaching quality and student experience,” which contributed to its significant achievement in surpassing Oxford and Cambridge.
The guide, which has been published annually since 1993, evaluates universities based on various factors, including teaching quality, student satisfaction, research output, sustainability, and graduate prospects. This year, the rankings highlighted regional universities, with LSE recognized as the top institution in London and Durham leading in the North and North East.
Professor Karen O’Brien, vice-chancellor of Durham University, celebrated the accolade, stating, “Durham is an outstanding place to study. We ensure that every student can grow and thrive here. Our loyal, engaged alumni are a testament to the impressive career prospects that await our graduates.”
Meanwhile, LSE also received awards for Academic Performance and Russell Group University of the Year, further solidifying its position as a leading institution.
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