Loughborough University has risen to 13th place out of 123 UK universities in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2015, cementing its status as one of the country’s leading higher education institutions.

Loughborough was also shortlisted for the coveted title of University of the Year 2014-15, which recognises all-round excellence. It was awarded the honour in 2008 and has now been shortlisted a further five times, more than any other university, which reinforces its position among the UK’s academic elite.

The guide, published in this Sunday’s (21 September) newspaper, ranks universities on eight key criteria – student satisfaction, research quality, graduate prospects, entrance qualifications, degree results achieved, student/staff ratios, services and facilities spend, and drop-out rates.

Loughborough’s results rose this year in six of the eight performance measures.

Loughborough’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Robert Allison, is delighted by the latest results. He says the University’s rise in the rankings reflects the commitment and dedication of all members of the University community. Of particular importance is the coordinated approach taken by the University and Loughborough Students’ Union.

“We have a very significant common interest – to provide the best experience for our students,” says Professor Allison. “The close working relationship that the University and Students’ Union have gives Loughborough an exceptional cohesiveness that really benefits our students. We want to provide opportunities for every one of them to be the very best they can be, which ultimately contributes to the success of the University.”

Rob Whittaker, President of Loughborough Students’ Union, believes that the way the University and Students’ Union interact is key.

He says: “We’re very open in our communication with each other. The Vice Chancellor is regularly out and about on campus, talking to students to find out about what they like about Loughborough and how they think it could develop. Staff at Loughborough are very accessible and are always keen to engage the student population in discussions about how to enhance the university experience.”

Loughborough’s excellent rating in The Times and Sunday Times follows those in this year’s Complete University Guide and Guardian University Guide, in which the University was ranked 13th and 15th respectively. Loughborough is now the East Midlands’ top university according to all three national university rankings.