Shock as Spurgeon's College closes

Spurgeon's College, London, is to close with immediate effect.

The evangelical Baptist College was set up in 1856 by famous Victorian preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

The board of trustees says declining numbers of students combined with the general financial landscape are to blame.

The college, affiliated with the Baptist Union of Great Britain, was founded as the Pastor's College. In 1923, it moved to its current site and was renamed after Spurgeon.

It was only as recently as 2022 that the college was granted full degree awarding powers by the Office for Students.

One current student, Iain Taylor, a former en journalist, said: "I know I speak for everyone at Spurgeon's, both staff and students, in saying that we are all devastated by this news, especially as it came out of a clear blue sky. There had been no indication whatsoever that the College had financial difficulties of any sort, let alone of this magnitude.

"Our overwhelming feeling is deep sadness, as a major, historic 169 year old theological institution, which bore the name of one of the Victorian evangelical and preaching greats, has now bitten the dust. 

"Things are now very up in the air for its students, as we now scramble to find alternative colleges at which we may complete our degrees. There is however no certainty at this point that we will be successful.

"Spurgeon's was a great place to study, with a pleasant atmosphere and a high standard of academic theology - even if sometimes it was somewhat liberal for my taste. Also, students always knew they were loved and well cared for by the staff at every level.

"The bigger question, however, is what this closure means for academic theology across the UK, going forward. It is common knowledge that many colleges are financially strapped at the moment, and it is far from clear that the business model that has sustained these institutions for many years remains viable any longer. That implies probable dramatic future change across the sector, although how that will pan out in the short term is anyone's guess. What is certain, though, is that the learning environment for academic theologians will look very different in 5-10 years time."

The board's full statement says: "With deep sadness and great regret, the Board of Trustees of Spurgeon’s College announces that, the College will close with immediate effect.

"Like many higher education institutions – particularly within the Theology sector – Spurgeon’s College has faced significant financial challenges for several years, driven by declining student numbers and an increasingly complex and difficult financial landscape.

"In recent months, the College partnered with a charitable foundation that provided vital financial support and offered assurances to both the College and the Office for Students of continued funding. However, this relationship was, without warning, unexpectedly terminated on 21 July 2025. As a result, the College can no longer sustain its financial operations and has been left with no choice but to enter the insolvency process immediately.

"Our immediate priority is to protect the interests of our students and staff as far as possible during this deeply challenging time.

"We understand this news will come as a profound shock to many. The trustees, leadership, and staff of Spurgeon’s College have worked tirelessly and faithfully to find a sustainable path forward and avoid this outcome.

"Founded in 1856 by Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the College has faithfully served for 169 years, training thousands of men and women for Christian mission, ministry, and leadership in the contemporary world. Each graduate stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of our founder and the College’s commitment to theological education and Christian service.

"God has blessed the College in amazing ways through our long history, and we encourage everyone at this challenging time to pray for His guidance so that men and women continue to be prepared for Christian ministry. It is with heavy hearts that we share this news, and we express our deep gratitude to all who have supported Spurgeon’s College throughout its history."

A statement from the Baptist Union of Great Britain Trustee Board says: "The Trustee Board of the Baptist Union of Great Britain is deeply saddened to learn the news that Spurgeon’s College has entered the insolvency process, resulting in the closure of the College. Since its inception in 1850 by Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the College has trained many women and men for Baptist ministry and mission. The College’s commitment to training for preaching, pastoring and evangelism has shaped leaders and church communities through many generations, the significance of which is immeasurable.

"We recognise the magnitude of the impact this news will have on the staff and students of Spurgeon’s College and our thoughts and prayers are with them.

"We have begun conversations with other Baptist Colleges in membership with the Union and with Regional Associations to determine how Baptist students who have been studying, or are about to embark on study, at Spurgeon’s College may best be supported. Details of this support will be shared with the students as it develops and guidance from the Office for Students, who are the regulating body for Spurgeon’s as a further education institution, will be provided."

It adds: "Spurgeon’s College is a separate legal entity from the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB). The Board of Trustees of BUGB has no responsibility for any aspect of the governance or management of Spurgeon’s College and has not been part of the decision making or the day-to-day operation of the College."