Spurgeon's College

The Trustee Board of the Baptist Union of Great Britain was deeply saddened to hear that Spurgeon’s College entered an insolvency process in the summer of 2025, resulting in the closure of the College to students. 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.   

On hearing the news of the closure, BUGB worked with the other Baptist Colleges and our Regional Associations to support the Baptist students who were affected. With finances provided by the BUGB Trustees, a student support office was established for a short period to help students in the immediate aftermath of the closure. An appeal then raised £90,000 from across Baptists Together which was used to compensate students for some of the resulting financial loss. 

Despite the loss of the College, those wishing to train for ministry in the south-east of England can still do so. Bristol Baptist Church has established a London Hub that continues to provide ministerial training in the capital. Students gather on Wednesday each week at a Baptist church in central London to undertake a  bespoke formation programme that leans on gifted subject experts and experienced ministers. Meanwhile, the requirements of a theological qualification are met through block weeks in Bristol and, from autumn 2026, a mixture of in-person and online teaching accessed from the same London venue. Those interested should contact Bristol Baptist College.