Oxford, Cambridge No Longer Part of Top 3 Universities in the UK: Who Took Their Place?

In a seismic shake-up of UK university rankings 2025, legendary Oxbridge duo Oxford and Cambridge plummet to joint fourth, ousted from the top three podium for the first time in 32 years by savvy challengers LSE, St Andrews, and Durham.

The Sunday Times University Guide 2025 crowns London School of Economics as undisputed leader for a second year, spotlighting a fierce battle in British higher education where teaching excellence and green credentials now trump ancient prestige.

As aspiring students eye league tables amid soaring entry standards, this rankings revolution signals a new era of diverse academic powerhouses dominating the scene.

LSE Secures Top Spot: Back-To-Back Wins in 2025

London School of Economics and Political Science takes first place with a perfect 1,000 score in the Sunday Times University Guide 2025, edging out rivals on academic performance and graduate prospects.

LSE also claimed the title of Russell Group University of the Year and was named joint runner-up for graduate employment, further solidifying its global reputation in social sciences and economics.

This marks LSE's back-to-back triumph, following last year's ascent from second place, as The Times noted: 'LSE retains the top spot while St Andrews and Durham fill the places — leaving Oxbridge out of the top three for the first time.'

The guide, unveiled on 21 September 2025, underscores LSE's edge in research quality and student satisfaction.

Scottish Flair and Northern Grit

University of St Andrews climbs to second place with 933 points, up from third last year, credited with world-class entry standards and a strong sustainability record. Its coastal setting in Fife continues to cement its reputation as Scotland's premier academic destination.

Meanwhile, Durham University surges from fifth to third with 906 points, earning the accolade of University of the Year 2026. Its leap has been attributed to enhanced teaching quality, vibrant student life, and graduate prospects.

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

Both institutions shine in regional awards, with St Andrews boosting Fife's academic pull and Durham anchoring northern excellence.

Sustainability and Student Outcomes Matter More

The guide weighs nine metrics, from teaching satisfaction to research output, with new emphasis on sustainability and graduate outcomes in its 2025 edition. Oxford and Cambridge, tied in fourth place after holding third and fourth respectively last year, falter slightly on student experience despite sky-high entry tariffs of 80 per cent of entrants scoring AAB or higher at A-level.

Helen Davies explains: '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.' Imperial College London slots sixth, Bath seventh, Warwick eighth, UCL ninth, and Bristol tenth, reflecting broader competition.

For full results and methodology on teaching, research, and sustainability measures, students can view the complete Sunday Times University Guide 2025 rankings.