England’s best universities for the upcoming academic year have been named, and one Leeds institution has made the cut.
And this is a very important title too, as it’s all according to current students.
It’s that time of year when higher education institutions nationwide await their annual rankings, and thankfully, Uni Compare has now released its highly-anticipated 2026 league tables ahead of the upcoming academic year, ready for prospective students to get the insight needed before choosing where to study.
Since launching its rankings back in 2020, the platform has become a trusted resource for students across England – with this year’s data drawing from the largest review database yet.
Images: Leeds Beckett University
Uni Compare has amassed over 151,000 reviews and ratings since its inception, creating one of the UK’s most comprehensive student-led review databases focused exclusively on the university experience, and the 2026 rankings represent the culmination of 28,430 verified student reviews and ratings collected across 209 universities in England.
The annual league tables focus exclusively on institutions in England, ranking them across five key student experience areas.
Accommodation, course quality, and student social life are just some of the student experience areas taken into consideration, and then the percentage score indicates the proportion of students who said they would recommend their university to others.
The only Leeds university to make the top 10 list is Leeds Beckett University, claiming a respectable eighth place with a 99% overall recommendation score.
Unlike many other round-up lists, northern cities – and particularly North West-based universities – dominate the top 10, with institutions such as Liverpool John Moores University, Edge Hill University, the University of Salford, and Newcastle University all claiming spots within the coveted lineup.
Best Universities in England 2026
Middlesex University
Liverpool John Moores University
Nottingham Trent University
Newcastle University
Edge Hill University
University of Liverpool
University of Derby
Leeds Beckett University
University of Salford
University of Sheffield
Not only that, but the University of Liverpool and the University of Sheffield also rank highly, but despite all this, the north hasn’t claimed the top spot – that has gone to Middlesex University.
“What stands out this year is just how competitive the top positions are,” commented Uni Compare founder, Owen O’Neill.
“The rankings reveal what students are actually experiencing day-to-day, from the quality of their accommodation, to how well they’re being prepared for their careers.
“Recommendation rates tell a compelling story too – when 95% to 100% of students say they’d recommend their university, that speaks volumes.”
Leeds City Council has appointed Thor's tipi as the new operator of Leeds Christmas Market 2026 on City Square.
We hate to mention the C word in May... especially in the midst of a heatwave, but just bare with us on this one.
The beloved Leeds Christmas Market will have a new operator this year, as creators of pop-up seasonal bars Thor's Tipi have been given the responsibility by Leeds City Council.
So, what's going to be different?
Thor's tipi will create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ retail, craft and food market which celebrates Leeds identity.
Image: Supplied
The market will feature a Yorkshire based line-up, full of popular local names and Leeds street food legends and a series of cabins will also be reserved for local craft businesses and emerging artisans.
Alongside plenty of shopping and eating options, the Christmas Market will become a full-on-festive experience for visitors. There will be winter games and karaoke huts in an Alpine Lodge, the original THOR’S tipi - complete with its signature firepit seating area, free live music from local artists, school choirs & community performances throughout the season.
There will also be a host of family-friendly events, including a ‘Leeds Night Before Christmas’ trail, family raves and free craft tables.
Image: Supplied
Amanda Monaghan, Director of THOR’S tipi, said: "This is our eleventh year in Leeds and we’re super excited to bring the most beautiful Christmas Market to City Square! We’re especially looking forward to speaking with local traders about how we can showcase their talents. Get in touch if you’d like to be involved! We’d love to have you on-board.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council's executive member for economy, said: "We're delighted that Leeds will be welcoming a Christmas market again this year with a new look and that visitors will once again have the chance to experience the wonders of the festive season at the heart of the city centre.”
“As always, the council is committed to working with partners and providers to bring high quality and exciting events to the city. We know Christmas is always a special time in Leeds, and this year is set to be a memorable one."
Met Office reports on how long the heatwave will last as yesterday was hottest May day on record
Emily Sergeant
The Met Office has given us an idea of how long this current heatwave may last.
It comes after a new UK temperature record was broken yesterday, as it reached 34.8°C at the weather station in Kew Gardens – with the figure being both the highest daily maximum temperature recorded in meteorological spring (March, April, and May), as well as the highest temperature in May all together.
The previous record of 32.8°C was reached in 1922 and 1944.
If confirmed and validated, and May sees a new official daily temperature record, it would mean that more than half of the monthly record highs – seven out of 12 – have been set since 2003.
But what exactly is considered to be a heatwave? Well, heatwave conditions in the UK are met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with temperature values meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold for that location.
Looking ahead to the rest of the week, and providing the public with an indication of how long these temperatures could last, Met Office weather forecasters say the start of the week will see the heatwave continue for much of England and Wales with temperatures ‘well above average’, and today (Tuesday 26) expected to be another ‘very hot day’ with a rapid rise in temperatures through the morning.
The heat will then continue through the week, with highs of 31°C forecast for Wednesday, 30°C on Thursday, 27°C on Friday, and 28°C on Saturday.
“We’ve now provisionally broken the spring and May temperature record,” commented Met Office Chief Operational Meteorologist, Dan Suri.
“Meteorologically, what we’ve seen is the influence of warmth building under an area of high pressure near the UK allowing exceptional heat to build allowing maximum and minimum temperatures to reach levels not previously reported at this time of year.
“Further heat is in the forecast for much of England and Wales, with similar temperatures forecast for Tuesday.
“High pressure is forecast to gradually lose its influence later in the week, though maximum temperatures will still remain high and in the low 30°Cs for some mid-week and high 20°Cs late this week.”
Clementine Hall -
10th June 2025 
