The Office for Students has revoked Spurgeon’s College’s authority to award UK degrees. The Power to Award Degrees etc. (Spurgeon’s College) (Revocation) Order 2026 was made on 7 April 2026 and takes effect on 27 April 2026. The OfS makes such orders under sections 42(1) and 44(1) of the Higher Education and Research Act 2017 and confirms that the statutory notification procedure has been followed. (legislation.gov.uk)
The instrument simultaneously revokes two earlier measures relating to the college’s degree-awarding powers: the Power to Award Degrees etc. (Spurgeon’s College) Order 2022 and the Power to Award Degrees etc. (Spurgeon’s College) (Amendment) Order 2025. The 2025 amending instrument is listed by the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments as not subject to parliamentary proceedings. (publications.parliament.uk)
According to the Order’s Explanatory Note, revocation follows the college’s cessation as a registered higher education provider. Under HERA 2017, loss of registration is one of the limited statutory grounds on which the OfS may revoke degree-awarding powers by order. (legislation.gov.uk)
This regulatory outcome follows OfS confirmation on 31 July 2025 that Spurgeon’s College would close its higher education courses with immediate effect. At that point, OfS reported up to 200 students affected and referenced course validation arrangements with the University of Manchester and Liverpool Hope University. (officeforstudents.org.uk)
OfS has maintained a dedicated guidance page for students affected by the closure, setting out transfer routes with validating universities and how students can access records. The page confirms that students should be offered either a route to continue studies elsewhere or the option to exit with credit for completed learning. (officeforstudents.org.uk)
The same guidance explains that students whose programmes were validated by the University of Manchester or Liverpool Hope University should liaise with those universities for continuation and records access. Students whose awards were issued by Spurgeon’s College are directed to contact the college for transcripts and documentation. (officeforstudents.org.uk)
On redress, the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) indicates that Spurgeon’s College remains within its scheme and that students can bring eligible complaints, although remedies may be constrained because the provider has closed. (officeforstudents.org.uk)
The OfS page also sets out funding and consumer routes. Where students transfer, the Student Loans Company will pay tuition to the receiving institution in the usual way. Self-funded students seeking refunds may experience delays if an administrator is appointed; those who paid by credit card may have recourse under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. (officeforstudents.org.uk)
International students are advised that UK Visas and Immigration may curtail permission once sponsorship ends, typically allowing a 60‑day period from UKVI’s notification, with scope to apply to study at another licensed sponsor if timings align. (officeforstudents.org.uk)
From 27 April 2026, Spurgeon’s College will no longer be authorised to confer new awards in its own name. For students due to complete after that date, awarding routes will depend on transfer or validation arrangements with alternative providers. The revocation does not change the statutory position that revocation decisions are effected by order following notification and any appeal window under HERA section 48. (legislation.gov.uk)
For the sector, the Order is a clear application of HERA powers: degree‑awarding authority is contingent on continued OfS registration and can be withdrawn on defined grounds through an OfS order. Providers with time‑limited or varied powers should note the primacy of registration, quality and standards in the revocation tests. (legislation.gov.uk)
The instrument is signed by David Smy, Deputy Director of Enabling Regulation at the OfS, dated 7 April 2026. While the Explanatory Note states no impact on businesses or the public sector, the operational implications for affected students are material and are being managed through the transfer and support mechanisms outlined above. (officeforstudents.org.uk)