Oxford has been named the ninth brainiest area in England according to a study.

With a score of 35.54, Oxford was recognised by education experts at UTS Online who conducted the research, for its academic reputation, with the city having the second highest rate of residents with a higher education degree, more than 4,000 per 10,000 residents.

The study evaluated Level 8 attainment rates for GCSE and A-Level exams in England’s biggest towns and cities, higher education qualification rates, and vocational qualification certificate numbers to establish England’s brainiest areas.

The city, renowned for its prestigious university and extensive libraries, also performed well in its GCSE exams, closely reaching an average score of 50.

A spokesperson from UTS Online said: “The GSCE exam results have regressed to the national average of 2019, which is a cause for concern. "For cities lower down the rankings, there’s a pressing need to step up their efforts in education to improve and progress.

"Those at the top of the table need to stay on their toes and keep up the good work to maintain the momentum and standards they’ve set.“

The top spot was claimed by Bath, scoring 42.80, with the highest population percentage with a higher education degree or higher, at 58.04 percent.

The list was followed by Slough, Gateshead, Brighton and Hove, and London, standing at fifth with a score of 36.87.

For more information, go to https://studyonline.uts.edu.au/.