Oxford and Cambridge have fallen outside the top three in The Times’ university rankings for the first time in decades.
The two most historic and prestigious UK universities, Oxford and Cambridge, have been pushed out of the top three in The Times’ Good University Guide.
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide ranks universities based on factors such as teaching standards, student satisfaction, and career opportunities for graduates.
The newspaper reported on Friday that, for the first time in the guide’s 32-year history, Oxford and Cambridge have dropped to a joint fourth position.
The London School of Economics remains in first place for the second year running, followed by St Andrews in second and Durham University in third.
Despite the drop in the overall rankings, Cambridge still leads in specific subjects, topping 14 subject tables, according to the guide.
The Times has named Oxford as the medical school of the year for 2026.
Recently, Oxford has been embroiled in controversy after the incoming president of the Oxford Union, George Abaraonye, reportedly celebrated the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on social media.
The Oxford Union condemned his remarks, clarifying that they do not reflect the society’s views, and offered condolences to Kirk’s wife and children. The Telegraph reports that a no-confidence motion to remove the president-elect has gained sufficient support within the Oxford Union.
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