Guardian University Guide: Essex University named in top 25

The Guardian University Guide 2025 has ranked Essex University as the 23rd best in the country.

The Guardian Guide ranks UK universities by issues such as student satisfaction, staff numbers, spending and career prospects.

The latest result is the highest-ever rating for Essex University, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

Essex University has continued to rise in the rankings for the the fourth year, jumping seven places from last year – ranking higher than York at 25, King’s College at 28, and Manchester at 31.

Rachel Hall, an education journalist in The Guardian Guide, said the university "has climbed to 23rd overall after four years of improvement, especially around ensuring there are more teachers per student, resulting in a big increase in grades”.

Ms Hall also described the university as a "modern mover" and said it is “catching up” with ancient institutions – alongside the University of London, University of East London, and Sunderland.

Proud - Professor Neil Kellard, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Image: University of Essex)

Deputy vice-chancellor at the university Prof Neil Kellard said the university was very pleased to be recognised for its improvements, adding how improving the student-staff ratio as a “strategic aim”.

He said: “We’ve also remained one of the top universities for spend per student and we’re fourth in the UK for the guide’s value-added score.

“We’re particularly proud of this, as the value-added score recognises the progress students make while studying with us from their entry grades through to their achievements in their degree.”

Prof. Kellard said many students are the first in the families to go to university, more than 90 per cent of students are from state school, and 140 nationalities are represented, highlighting the university's “commitment to delivering a transformative educational experience to students from all backgrounds".

He added: “We are determined to go on improving the student experience in the coming year in partnership with the Students’ Union as we continue to celebrate our 60th anniversary.

“It's nice to be recognised as a ‘modern mover’ in our anniversary year.”