The Power to Award Degrees etc. (Spurgeon’s College) (Amendment) Order 2025
The Power to Award Degrees etc. (Spurgeon’s College) (Amendment) Order 2025 extends Spurgeon’s College’s authorization to grant taught awards until November 30, 2028.
The Office for Students made the order under powers in the Higher Education and Research Act 2017, having consulted relevant bodies on the quality of the college's education.
No impact assessment was needed because it's considered not to affect businesses, civil society, or the public sector.
Arguments For
Extending Educational Opportunities: The extension allows Spurgeon's College to continue offering taught awards, providing educational opportunities for students.
Maintaining Institutional Stability: The amendment provides stability for Spurgeon's College, allowing it to plan and operate its degree-granting programs without interruption.
Based on Review and Assessment: The extension is presumably made after review of the institution by the Office for Students, suggesting that their performance justified the decision.
Legal Basis in Higher Education and Research Act 2017: The Order is explicitly based on the powers granted by Sections 42(1), 43(1) and 44(1) of the Higher Education and Research Act 2017, providing a firm legal foundation.
Arguments Against
Lack of Transparency: The lack of an impact assessment might raise concerns about the potential unintended consequences of the extension.
Potential for Resource Misallocation: Continued authorization may lead to resource misallocation if Spurgeon's College is unable to maintain its quality or student enrollment.
Limited Public Scrutiny: The absence of wider consultation might overshadow potential concerns regarding this extension.
Unforeseen Circumstances: Unforeseen factors might arise in the extended period (2025-2028) that could negatively impact the quality of the degrees offered.
- Citation and commencement This Order may be cited as the Power to Award Degrees etc. (Spurgeon’s College) (Amendment) Order 2025 and comes into force on 2nd July 2025.
This section provides the official title of the Order and its effective date.
The Order's name is the 'Power to Award Degrees etc. (Spurgeon’s College) (Amendment) Order 2025', and it takes effect on July 2nd, 2025.
- Variation of Power to Award Degrees etc. (Spurgeon’s College) Order 2022 (1) The Power to Award Degrees etc. (Spurgeon’s College) Order 2022 is varied in accordance with paragraph (2). (2) For article 2, substitute— “2. Spurgeon’s College (registered company number 04418151) is authorised to grant taught awards of the kind mentioned in section 42(2)(a) of the said Act for a fixed term beginning on 1st September 2022 and expiring at the end of the day on 30th November 2028.”
This section amends the 2022 Order.
Specifically, it replaces Article 2.
The amendment extends Spurgeon's College's authorization to grant taught awards.
The original expiry date (December 1st, 2025) is replaced with November 30th, 2028.
EXPLANATORY NOTE (This note is not part of the Order) This Order varies the Power to Award Degrees etc. (Spurgeon’s College) Order 2022 to extend Spurgeon’s College’s authorisation to grant taught awards of the kind mentioned in section 42(2)(a) of the Higher Education and Research Act 2017. The expiry of Spurgeon’s College’s authorisation is changed from 1st December 2025 to the end of the day on 30th November 2028. An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as it has no impact on businesses and civil society organisations. The instrument has no impact on the public sector.
The explanatory note summarizes the Order's changes.
It clarifies that the modification extends Spurgeon’s College’s authorization to offer taught awards.
It also notes there was no impact assessment performed as the order does not affect businesses, civil society, or the public sector.