Oxford. Reputation alone can't protect you.
For the first time in 32 years, neither Oxford nor Cambridge is in the top three of the Times Good University Guide. LSE came first, St Andrews second and Durham third.
THE GIST ON OXFORD: "Value, not legacy"
What changed in the rankings?
In the latest Times Good University Guide, LSE came first, St Andrews second and Durham third, shaking off its Oxford reject reputation. Oxford and Cambridge tied for fourth, the first time in 32 years neither is in the top three.
Why did they slip?
Not research rankings, but teaching quality, student satisfaction and graduate outcomes. Cambridge scored near the bottom for social inclusion, while at Oxford reports show a heavy reliance on short term hourly contracts to deliver tutorials, raising questions about the consistency of teaching.
What does it mean?
This isn't league table musical chairs. Reputation alone can't protect even the most prestigious institutions. Students are choosing on value: what the teaching is like, the vibe on campus and what job they'll get afterwards.
Losing that top three spot leaves the door open for others to define what elite means. If the old guard don't adapt, the next generation of elite universities could look very different.
Do league tables matter when choosing a university?
Your take. One tap, then see how everyone else voted.
Quick answers
Who is top of the Times Good University Guide?
LSE first, St Andrews second and Durham third.
Why did Oxford and Cambridge slip?
Teaching quality, student satisfaction and graduate outcomes, not research, according to Huw.
See you on the next one.
What should the next one be? Suggest a topic for Huw to explain
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