UK University Rankings Shock: Oxford, Cambridge Ousted from Top 3 for First Time

The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge have been knocked out of the top three spots in a prestigious university ranking for the first time ever, according to The Independent.

In The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has retained its top position for the second consecutive year, with the University of St Andrews securing second place and Durham University claiming third.

Oxford and Cambridge now share fourth position—a historic drop, as neither has been outside the top three in the 32-year history of the guide.

Last year, Oxford held third while Cambridge slipped to fourth, as LSE surged from fourth to first and St Andrews took second.

Durham has been crowned University of the Year 2026 after rising from fifth place.

Helen Davies, editor of The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, commented: "In a very competitive top 10, Durham has climbed two places in a year, which is a significant achievement.

"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 in the Good University Guide's history.

"Its stellar academic performance was boosted this year by improvements in teaching quality and student experience."

The Times and Sunday Times have published comprehensive university guides since 1993 and 1998, respectively. Rankings are determined by analyzing student satisfaction with teaching quality and experience, entry standards, research quality, sustainability, and graduate prospects.

In contrast, The Guardian University Guide 2026 ranks Oxford first and Cambridge third.

LSE has also scooped 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.

The updated league table places Imperial College London sixth, followed by the University of Bath, the University of Warwick, University College London, and the University of Bristol.

The University of Strathclyde narrowly missed the top 10 but earned runner-up for University of the Year.

Regional winners include LSE in London, Durham in the North and 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.

Ms Davies added: "Competition to get a place at our top-ranked institutions continues to grow, leaving some lower-tariff universities with recruitment challenges.

"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."

Professor Karen O'Brien, vice-chancellor of Durham University, stated: "Durham is an outstanding place to study. We ensure that every student can grow and thrive here. Our loyal, engaged alumni are the testament to the impressive career prospects that await our graduates."