Oxford, Cambridge Fall from Top Three in UK University Rankings.
PULSE POINTS
❓WHAT HAPPENED: Oxford and Cambridge universities have dropped out of the top three rankings in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guidefor 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 10Durham 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 spotfor 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 thatDurham’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.
https://thenationalpulse.com/2025/09/23/oxford-cambridge-fall-from-top-three-in-uk-university-rankings/
This must be embarrassing and shameful for “the woke ideology” is destroying a history of centuries in England..
History
Oxfordis a unique and historic institution. As the oldest university in the English-speaking world,it can lay claim to nine centuries of continuous existence.
Here’s a timeline of key dates:
Evidence of teaching
There is no clear date of foundation ==but teaching existed at Oxford in some form in 1096.
(https://www.ox.ac.uk/about/organisation/history
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is a public collegiate research =university in Cambridge, England.Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is the world's third-oldest university in continuous operation==. The university's founding followed the arrival of scholars who left the University of Oxford for Cambridge after a dispute with local townspeople.[12][13] The two ancient English universities, although sometimes described as rivals, share many common features and are often jointly referred to as Oxbridge. (816 years ago)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Cambridge
The University of Oxford began teaching as early as 1096, while the University of Cambridge was founded in 1209. Both are among the oldest universities in the world.
wikipedia.3x.png Wikipediawww.topuniversities.com.ico Top Universities
Founding Dates of Oxford and Cambridge
University of Oxford
Established: Teaching began around 1096.
Significance: It is the oldest university in the English-speaking world.
University of Cambridge
Established: Founded in 1209 by scholars who left Oxford.
Significance: It is the third-oldest university in continuous operation globally.
Both universities have a rich history and are renowned for their academic excellence.