Guardian League Table 2026
News
BSU, the highest rising University in the UK according to The Guardian
Monday, 15 September, 2025Bath Spa University is delighted to announce that we are the highest-rising university in the UK in the 2026 Guardian League Table.
Rising 47 places to 61st overall, the result sees BSU rise to its highest ranking in the Guardian league table since 2014, a testament to our commitment to high-quality teaching provision, and our focus on inclusion.
One of the many highlights from the league table is that BSU ranks in the top 20% in the country for student satisfaction metrics including student satisfaction with teaching and feedback on assessments. This result showcases BSU’s commitment to continuous improvement of the student experience.
Another highlight from the league table is that 21 out of 23 subject areas have improved year on year, with 12 of those subject areas now ranking within the top 40% in the UK. Four subject areas; Computer Science, Sociology, Drama and Dance and Food and Nutrition – are featured within the top 20% in the country. The result for Food and Nutrition was further bolstered by the course being ranked 2nd in the country overall.
Other notable courses that rose in the 2026 league table include Law, Animation and Game Design, Education and Sociology, the latter of which climbed 54 places compared to the previous year’s league table.
Speaking about the positive result, Vice-Chancellor Professor Georgina Andrews reflected:
“I’m absolutely delighted that Bath Spa University has climbed 47 places in the Guardian University League Table, following our rise in the Complete University Guide in July, and our ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating published this week. This demonstrates BSU continuing positive trajectory of which we should all be very proud. Thank you and congratulations to all my fantastic colleagues, students, alumni and partners.”
The Guardian League table ranks higher education institutions in the UK based on a number of different factors, including student satisfaction, continuation between years, and further career progression.
Whilst the Guardian’s league table showcases the largest improvement, it comes after the Complete University Guide saw BSU rise 12 places in its rankings, showcasing an upward trajectory across the board.
The publishing of the Guardian league table rounds off a significant week of good news, with BSU’s Adult Skills Bootcamp and Inclusive Communities work being recognised as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
The result was published on the same day that BSU also welcomed a brand-new cohort, with thousands of students ready to start their university journey and many more set to arrive as our annual Welcome Week begins.
To see the full Guardian league table, Guardian League Table 2026.