We have ranked in the UK’s top five universities in the National Student Survey (NSS 2026) for the 3rd consecutive year, and are top in the East Midlands.
The University’s overall average positivity score across all survey questions is over 90%, which is well above the sector average of 84%*.
Overall, these positivity scores place Lincoln Bishop 1st in the East Midlands region as well as being above all Russell Group Universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.
These rankings follow a positive year for the University in which applications to study at Lincoln Bishop increased by 23% - over 8 times the UK average following the UCAS Equal Consideration deadline.
The NSS was first conducted in 2005 and provides students with the opportunity to submit feedback on their university experience. Undergraduates in their final year of study are invited to answer questions on everything from their teaching and facilities to learning opportunities, resources and support. This survey is one of the largest of its kind in the world and aims to inform future students of the quality they can expect and drive improvements to the student experience.
Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Andrew Gower, said: "As a university that stands out for exceptionally high student satisfaction, teaching quality and student support, we are delighted to achieve top five in the UK in the National Student Survey 2026.
“I want to thank our dedicated staff for their expertise, commitment and care, and to thank our students for sharing their valued views and opinions. These results celebrate our achievements as well as enable continuing improvement, and I look forward to working closely with students and the award-winning Lincoln Bishop University Students’ Union.
“This achievement speaks to our strong sense of community and ambition, and our vision as a confident, person-centred and forward-looking place of opportunity for learning, research and knowledge exchange. As we prepare for our annual graduation ceremonies in Lincoln Cathedral, these are exciting times for students here at Lincoln Bishop University. "
With a continued focus on providing an excellent student experience, small class sizes and a strong sense of community, the University was delighted to be recognised as the University of the Year for Student Support in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026 and 1st for Student Satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2027. With support continuing after graduation, 95% of graduates are in employment, further study or another positive outcome 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey - 23/24 cohort).
Please click here to see more of the University’s recent awards and accolades.
*based on the widely used methodology of an average positivity score of the 26 National Student Survey (NSS) Questions from Full Time undergraduate students.