LNAT 2026: What score you need to get into each law school

So you want to study law at a top UK university? First thing you need to know: you're probably going to have to take the LNAT. And the second thing: no one's going to tell you exactly what score you need because there isn't a magic number!

But don't worry. While universities won't publish hard cut-offs, we've got the inside scoop on what's actually competitive.

What Even Is LNAT?

The LNAT (National Admissions Test for Law) is basically your ticket to applying to nine of the UK's top law schools. It's got two parts:

Section A: 42 multiple-choice questions testing your reading comprehension and logical reasoning. You get a score out of 42.

Section B: One essay where you pick from three prompts and write your argument. Each university scores this differently.

Universities use your LNAT alongside your grades, personal statement, and interview to decide if you're getting in. It's just a part of the puzzle, not the whole picture.

The Nine Universities That Require LNAT

If you're applying to any of these for 2026 entry, you need to take the LNAT:

• University of Oxford

• University of Cambridge

• University College London (UCL)

• London School of Economics (LSE)

• King's College London (KCL)

• Durham University

• University of Bristol

• University of Glasgow

• SOAS University of London

What Score Do You Actually Need?

Here's the thing: aim for 27 or higher in Section A to be competitive at most of these schools. But let's break it down by university because the expectations definitely vary:

• Oxford: 30-31 Yeah, Oxford's tough. The average for people who get offers is around 31. They also weigh your essay heavily, so don't phone that in.

• Cambridge: 28-30 Cambridge keeps things close to the chest, but you're looking at similar benchmarks to Oxford. High twenties minimum if you want a real shot.

• UCL: 27-29 UCL sometimes has an unofficial cut-off around 23, but to be properly competitive, you want to be in the 27-29 range. They score your essay from 1-5, so that matters too.

• LSE: 26-27 The average offer holder scores about 26.4. LSE focuses mainly on Section A and ignores Section B entirely, so nail those multiple-choice questions.

• King's College London: 25-27 KCL looks at everything... your GCSEs, A-levels, and both sections of the LNAT. A 25-27 puts you in good standing.

• Bristol: 24-26 Bristol makes the LNAT 40% of your application (60% multiple-choice, 40% essay). Getting 24-26 should keep you competitive.

• Durham: 25-27 Durham's applicant pool is strong, so even though it's not Oxbridge, you still want to hit that 25-27 range.

• Glasgow: 23-27 The median for offer holders is 27, but Glasgow's threshold for consideration is lower. A 23+ gets you in the game.

• SOAS: 22-25 SOAS is the most accessible of the bunch in terms of LNAT scores, but you still need a solid essay and strong academics overall.

Important Dates You Can't Miss

Registration opens: 1 August 2025

Oxbridge deadline: 15 October 2025

Everyone else's deadline: 31 December 2025

Scores sent: Early September onwards for tests after 1 September 2025

Don't sleep on these dates. Missing the deadline means you literally can't apply to these universities.

The Real Bottom Line

LNAT is stressful, but it's also beatable. You don't need to be a genius; you need to be prepared. A score in the high twenties opens doors at most of these universities. Combined with strong A-levels and a solid personal statement, you're in the running.

And remember: these benchmarks are averages. Some people get offers with lower scores. Some people with higher scores get rejected. The LNAT is one piece of your application, not the whole thing.

So breathe. Start prepping early. And don't let a test score convince you that you're not good enough for law school.

You've got this.

Still not sure? Reach out to us at Hello Study Global and leave all your worries!!

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