OfS revokes Spurgeon’s College degree powers, 27 April

From 27 April 2026, the Office for Students will revoke Spurgeon’s College’s power to award degrees and other taught awards. The Order was made on 7 April 2026 and also cancels the 2022 and 2025 instruments that first granted and then varied those powers. The OfS says this follows the college ceasing to be a registered higher education provider; the Order is signed by David Smy, Deputy Director of Enabling Regulation, and is published on legislation.gov.uk.

Let’s get clear on what’s being removed. Degree-awarding powers (you’ll hear them called DAPs) are the legal permission an institution needs to issue its own degrees. In England, the OfS can authorise, vary or revoke these powers under the Higher Education and Research Act 2017. Powers can be time-limited and limited by level or subject, which is why some colleges teach courses that are validated by a university rather than awarded in their own name. (legislation.gov.uk)

Why this step now? Under HERA and OfS guidance, DAPs can be revoked if a provider stops being registered with the regulator. The OfS is explicit that providers holding DAPs are expected to remain inside the regulated system because operating outside it would put students and the reputation of English degrees at risk. (officeforstudents.org.uk)

If you’re a current or recent student, your next questions are about continuity. In most closures, students are taught out to finish their year or full course where possible, or helped to transfer to a comparable programme at another provider. The OfS says it works with providers and partners to reduce disruption and to map appropriate transfer options. (officeforstudents.org.uk)

For Spurgeon’s specifically, two universities have been involved in validating some courses: Liverpool Hope University and the University of Manchester. The Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) noted this when courses closed and directed students to those partners for information on continuation and records. If you’re unsure who your awarding body is, check your offer letter, transcript, or student portal and then contact that institution. (oiahe.org.uk)

This revocation applies from 27 April 2026. It does not cancel degrees already awarded; it changes who can make awards in the future. Awards that were made while a provider held valid authorisation are recognised under education law, and the OfS explains how recognised awards are treated in England. Keep hold of any official documents confirming who awarded your qualification. (officeforstudents.org.uk)

If you had an offer for 2026/27, ask the admissions team to confirm whether your course will run, who will award the qualification, and what your options are if you prefer to withdraw or switch. If concerns aren’t resolved, you can use internal complaints routes and, where eligible, take an unresolved complaint to the OIA, which reviews higher education complaints in England and Wales. (officeforstudents.org.uk)

International students will have extra steps because visas are tied to sponsorship. OfS guidance for Spurgeon’s students explains that the Home Office may contact affected students with next steps and that transfers to a new sponsor can be possible. Speak to your prospective receiving university’s compliance team and seek advice promptly. (officeforstudents.org.uk)

The backdrop matters. Spurgeon’s was granted time‑limited taught DAPs in 2022 and, in July 2025, the OfS varied the order to extend those powers. Days later, on 31 July 2025, the OfS confirmed the college’s higher education courses were closing and said it was working with the validating universities to support students. (officeforstudents.org.uk)

What this means for you now is practical. Save emails and letters from the college and any partner university; ask in writing who will award your qualification and how your credits will transfer; watch for OfS and partner updates; and, if needed, use the OIA route for unresolved complaints. We’ll keep explaining these systems so you can make confident choices in a difficult moment. (officeforstudents.org.uk)