Spurgeon’s College degree powers revoked by OfS

Spurgeon’s College will no longer be able to award its own degrees after 27 April 2026. The Office for Students (OfS) has made a Statutory Instrument, dated 7 April 2026, that revokes the previous legal orders which gave the college those powers. The OfS says this follows the college ceasing to be a registered higher education provider in England.

Let’s get clear on terms. Degree‑awarding powers are the legal authorisations that let a provider grant taught degrees (like BA or MA) and, if permitted, research degrees (like MPhil or PhD). Awards made under an OfS authorisation count as “recognised awards” in law; offering a degree in the UK without that status risks committing an offence under the Education Reform Act 1988. (officeforstudents.org.uk)

Who decides if a college gets those powers? In England, the OfS does, using powers in the Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (HERA). Providers can receive time‑limited or indefinite authorisations. Before granting, varying or revoking powers, the OfS must seek expert advice on quality and standards, and there is a statutory process (including appeal routes) for major decisions. (legislation.gov.uk)

Why does registration matter? Registration with the OfS unlocks key benefits, including access for students to government‑backed student finance and (for some providers) eligibility for OfS teaching grant. If a provider is not registered, new students generally cannot use Student Loans Company funding to study there. (officeforstudents.org.uk)

What happened at Spurgeon’s? On 31 July 2025 the college told students its higher education courses were closing. The OfS said it was working with Liverpool Hope University and the University of Manchester (which validated some courses) to support affected students. The students’ complaints body, the OIA, later confirmed routes for students to seek advice. (officeforstudents.org.uk)

So what does revocation change? From 27 April 2026, Spurgeon’s cannot issue new degrees in its own name. If you already hold a degree that was lawfully awarded while the college was authorised, it remains a recognised award. Where courses continue under teach‑out or transfer, the awarding body will be a registered university or college with degree‑awarding powers. (officeforstudents.org.uk)

If you’re a current or recent student, here’s the practical bit. The OIA has said Spurgeon’s students can bring complaints until at least July 2026, though remedies may be limited because the college has closed. The OfS has also published a privacy notice explaining how it may share student data (for example, transcripts) with partner universities to help you transfer and complete. (oiahe.org.uk)

If you teach or advise sixth‑formers, you can explain that degree‑awarding powers are separate from simply ‘running courses’. A provider without those powers can still teach, but the degrees must be granted by a recognised awarding body through validation. The OfS requires registered providers to plan for course closure or market exit so students can transfer and finish. (officeforstudents.org.uk)

How are powers removed? Under HERA, the OfS can vary or revoke degree‑awarding powers, for example on quality grounds or when a provider is no longer registered. This is done formally by order, with notice and opportunities to make representations. The aim is to protect students and the reputation of English higher education. (legislation.gov.uk)

Zooming out, regulation has tightened. The OfS has refreshed its registration tests and timelines for handling applications for registration, degree‑awarding powers and university title, emphasising student protection and financial sustainability. This matters because only organisations that meet these barometers can access the benefits of registration. (officeforstudents.org.uk)

What this means for you. If you studied at Spurgeon’s and your award came from a validating university, that university remains your awarding body. If you were mid‑course when teaching ceased, the OfS and partners have said support is available to help you find a comparable programme and complete. Keep copies of your transcript and written communications. (officeforstudents.org.uk)

And for future applicants. When researching theology or any subject, check whether a provider is registered with the OfS and who the awarding body is. That simple step tells you whether student finance is available and whose name will be on the certificate you work hard to earn. (officeforstudents.org.uk)