Baptist Union of Great Britain Trustee Board statement regarding Spurgeon's College

This is an updated version of the statement made on 31 July in light of the evolving situation. We will continue to provide further information as we support those affected. 

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 are giving national Specialist Team support into the situation. The Ministries area of the Baptists Together website is providing information for Baptist students. This area will be updated regularly. 

Supporting Baptist students is our first priority at this point. 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 posted on the information page.  We are also funding a Student Support Centre so that over the next few weeks students have someone to ask about transferring to other providers of theological education and ministerial formation.    

As stated by Spurgeon’s in their statement on 31 July 2025, the charitable foundation who were providing financial support unexpectedly withdrew this on 21 July 2025. We were made aware on 22 July. Sadly, it was not possible for the Baptist Union of Great Britain to offer financial support on the scale that would have been required. 

We will continue to offer our Specialist Team support and are working with all the relevant parties across Baptists Together to support those affected. 

Note: 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.