⑵British universities are slipping down the world rankings, with experts blaming the decline on pressure to admit more disadvantaged students. Cambridge University, which for many years was ranked the best in the world and for a decade held a place in the top three, has now dropped down to fifth place, according to the QS World University Rankings. Overall, 51 of the UK’s 76 institutions have slipped down in the rankings since last year. The Russell Group members, which represents 24 of the UK’s most selective universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, saw 16 dropping down in the rankings.