The University of Bath has been named The Times and The Sunday Times Sport University of the Year 2026, cementing its status as a leading institution for athletic and academic excellence in the United Kingdom. This prestigious accolade highlights the university’s comprehensive commitment to sport at all levels, from pioneering research and elite athlete development to fostering a vibrant sporting community for all students.
Premier Sport University Recognition
The award, announced on September 19, 2025, as part of The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, celebrates Bath’s outstanding contributions to sport. Helen Davies, editor of the guide, acknowledged the university’s achievement, underscoring its dedication to offering sport for everyone, whether striving for elite performance or seeking to maintain health and well-being. The recognition is a testament to the university’s innovative research in areas such as injury prevention and bio-banding, which has a global impact through high-profile partnerships.
Academic Excellence and Regional Acclaim
Beyond its sporting achievements, the University of Bath also saw a significant rise in its main academic rankings, climbing from 8th to 7th place in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. This upward trend is mirrored in global rankings, with Bath positioned 132nd in the QS World University Rankings 2026, placing it within the top 10% of universities worldwide and marking its highest ranking since QS began publishing independent rankings.
In addition, the university secured a new award for University of the Year in the Southwest 2026. This category acknowledges the growing trend of undergraduates choosing to remain in their home region for their studies. Bath also received a high commendation for the main University of the Year award, having previously won it in 2023, demonstrating its consistent high performance across various metrics.
A Hub for Elite Athletes
The University of Bath serves as a UK Sport-accredited Elite Training Centre, a status that recognizes its crucial role in supporting the preparation of Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Its world-class Sports Training Village (STV) is a cornerstone of this success, providing state-of-the-art facilities for over 50 sports and hosting numerous national governing bodies and professional club partnerships. The STV is accessible not only to elite athletes but also to students, staff, and the public, fostering a diverse sporting environment.
Championing Student Sport
Bath’s commitment extends to its student body, with a robust Student Performance Sport Scholarships Programme supporting approximately 400 high-performing student-athletes. Every student benefits from a free Student Sports Pass, offering access to a wide range of on-campus sports activities and facilities, with over 17,000 students utilizing this pass in the 2024-25 academic year. The university boasts a thriving student sports community, with 6,500 students actively participating in one or more of the 56 sports clubs managed by the Students’ Union.
A Legacy of Success and Future Prospects
The university’s sporting prowess is evident in the remarkable achievements of its associated athletes. At the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, 17 Team Bath-associated athletes collectively secured numerous medals, showcasing the calibre of talent nurtured at Bath. Looking ahead, athletes from the Bath-based British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association are preparing to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, underscoring the university’s continued contribution to the United Kingdom’s international sporting ambitions.
With its dedication to fostering sporting talent, groundbreaking research, and a supportive academic environment, the University of Bath solidifies its position as a leader in sport and higher education, making it a significant fixture in the United Kingdom’s trending sports news.
