The Trustee Board of the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) has said it is “deeply saddened” at the news that Spurgeon’s College has entered insolvency.

The College, which was the largest Baptist training college in the UK, said it was plunged into sudden financial difficulty after a charity sponsor unexpectedly withdrew funding. The BUGB was informed of this, but was unable to offer its own financial assistance on the scale required to save the institution.

The Trustee Board described the college as a cornerstone of ministry and mission since its inception in 1850, saying: “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.”

Their statement continued: “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. Supporting Baptist students is our first priority at this point.”

The Union said it is now working closely with other Baptist colleges and regional associations to explore options for students who have been studying, or were due to begin their studies, at Spurgeon’s College.

An information page for Baptist students has been set up on the Baptists Together website and will be updated regularly. Additionally, a Student Support Centre is being funded to help students with advice on transferring to other providers of theological education and ministerial formation.

The Baptist Union emphasised that Spurgeon’s College operates as a separate legal entity and that BUGB’s Board of Trustees has no responsibility for the governance or management of the College, nor was it involved in the decisions leading to its closure.

The Union has pledged to continue offering support to those affected as the situation develops.