The Times’ Good University Guide has revealed that Oxford and Cambridge have fallen out of the top three for the first time in decades. The London School of Economics took first place, followed by St Andrews and Durham University. While the two historic universities slipped in overall rankings, Cambridge still dominated in individual subjects, topping 32 subjects tables.
The rankings, which consider teaching quality, student experience, and graduate prospects, mark a significant shift in the UK’s higher education landscape. The news comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Oxford’s leadership following controversies involving its incoming president.
Oxford was named medical school of the year for 2026, according to The Times. The institution has faced a scandal in recent days after incoming president of the Oxford Union, George Abaraonye, celebrated conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination on social media. The debate society condemned his words, stressing that they do not represent its views, and expressed condolences to Kirk’s wife and two children. Enough members of the Oxford Union have supported a no-confidence motion to remove the president-elect, according to The Telegraph.