LSE Tops University Ranking

LSE Named Top UK University in 2026 Times and Sunday Times Guide

London, 25 September 2025 — The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has been named the number one university in the UK in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, securing the top spot for the second consecutive year.

In a year of particularly strong competition among leading institutions, LSE not only retained its place at the summit of the national rankings but also collected a series of prestigious accolades. These include University of the Year for Academic Performance, Russell Group University of the Year, University of the Year in London, and Joint Runner-Up for Graduate Employment—the latter marking its second consecutive year in this position.

The Guide’s editors praised LSE’s consistent performance across a range of indicators, including graduate prospects, research quality, and continuation rates. The School also posted significant improvements in teaching quality and student satisfaction, categories which have seen notable year-on-year gains.

According to the 2025 National Student Survey, which feeds into the Guide’s assessment, LSE improved in nine out of ten core categories, including all education-related measures—a reflection of the institution’s renewed focus on enhancing the student academic experience.

Professor Larry Kramer, LSE President and Vice Chancellor, described the recognition as a testament to the collective efforts of the School’s community:

“As was true when we achieved the same recognition last year, the award reflects the dedication and talent of our faculty, staff, students, and global community. With or without rankings, our mission remains clear: to produce world-class research that delivers real-world impact, and to equip our students with the tools to shape a better future.”

Helen Davies, editor of the Good University Guide, said LSE had consolidated its place at the top:

“Last year LSE topped the league table for the first time, and this year it has defended its No 1 spot and drawn even further away from a very competitive top ten. The social sciences powerhouse is on the rise due to improved results in graduate prospects, student satisfaction and teaching quality. The overall atmosphere and the investment in the student experience has created a truly global leader.”

The latest result adds to a string of high placements for LSE over the past year. The School was also named Top University in London by both The Guardian and Complete University Guide, and “University of the Year for Student Success” by the Daily Mail University Guide.

LSE’s recent successes come amid growing demand for social science expertise in addressing global challenges. With a student body drawn from over 140 countries and a longstanding reputation for shaping policy, business and international affairs, the School’s latest accolades reinforce its position as a world leader in higher education.