Last Updated on: 5th June 2025, 06:27 pm
The University of Cambridge secures the top spot in this year’s Complete University Guide rankings, though its dominance appears to be waning.
Cambridge has once again claimed the number one position in the 2026 Complete University Guide, but fresh data reveals that other universities are closing the gap. The University of Oxford is making gains, while a number of institutions further down the rankings have made significant strides—challenging the traditional Oxbridge stronghold.
Oxford has made notable progress this year, taking first place in 11 subject areas, up from eight the previous year. Imperial College London, Loughborough University, and LSE are each leading in three subjects, with Imperial advancing from two top-ranked subjects last year. Cambridge still leads overall in 26 disciplines, but that’s a marked decline from the 34 it held last year—signalling increased subject-level competition.
A wave of newer or specialist universities has surged up the rankings. Arts University Bournemouth has leapt 32 places to 61st, while Norwich University of the Arts has gained 25 places, reaching 57th. Heriot-Watt University, now ranked 25th, has overtaken several prestigious Russell Group peers after a notable 17-place climb.
Not all institutions fared as well. Queen Mary University of London, despite rising nine places, now ranks 41st, making it the lowest-ranked Russell Group university this year. The University for the Creative Arts has tumbled 26 places to 111th, and Sheffield Hallam University dropped 21 spots to 84th—a reflection of the ongoing flux in the university landscape amid changing expectations and national sector pressures.
Regionally, St Andrews continues to shine as Scotland’s top university, placing 4th overall. Cardiff University holds the leading position in Wales at 22nd, and Queen’s University Belfast remains Northern Ireland’s highest entry at 24th.
Each year, the Complete University Guide publishes
its UK university and subject league tables to help prospective students make informed choices about their future, including those weighing up late decisions or exploring Clearing options.
Regional tables are also available, making it easier for students to find the right university close to home. This release follows last month’s
Whatuni Student Choice Awards, where students themselves recognised and celebrated outstanding universities across a range of categories nationwide.
Professor Amanda Chetwynd, Chair of the Complete University Guide Advisory Board, said:
“Congratulations to the University of Cambridge for once again securing the top spot in this year’s Complete University Guide rankings. Our methodology draws on a range of trusted, independent measures that reflect the factors students care most about, including teaching quality, student satisfaction and graduate outcomes. The close competition within the top 20 highlights the consistently high standards across UK higher education.
“This year, we’ve seen considerable movement in the subject tables, underlining their importance as a resource for students who know what they want to study, but are still weighing up where to apply. Whether making early choices or preparing for Clearing, our university and subject league tables, along with regional insights, are here to help students navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives.”
Across the sector, on average 74% of graduates have successfully transitioned into graduate-level or professional roles, or are pursuing postgraduate education, just over a year after graduation. However, this year’s Complete University Guide shows that some universities are exceptional in this regard and, no doubt, this is also a reflection of the dedication and tenacity of their students.
At Imperial College London, 96% of graduates have successfully transitioned into graduate-level or professional roles, or are pursuing further study. At the University of St Andrews, it is 87%, while at Queen’s University Belfast, the figure is 86%. At both Cardiff University and City St George’s, University of London, it is 84%.
The latest Complete Universities Guide rankings reveal a dip in student continuation rates across the UK. On average, 90% of students remained on their courses a year after enrolling, down from 92% the previous year – a decline that may reflect broader challenges facing students in higher education.
This year’s Complete University Guide reveals that London universities are accepting lower entry grades compared to last year, suggesting a more competitive recruitment environment. However, the data also shows a decline in both graduate prospects and continuation rates, with the latter falling to 89%, compared with 92% two years ago. These shifts point to mounting pressures on both students and institutions in the capital.
Simon Emmett, Chief Executive Officer of IDP Education, said:
“The rankings demonstrate the breadth of excellence in UK HE. We’re proud to provide main tables, subject tables and unique data sets to enable students to make the right choice for them.
“And for the sector, I hope they will be used to track and drive best practice. Factors such as course continuation rates and outcomes are important to students, the sustainability of the sector and the economy as a whole.”
