St Mellitus College have today announced the difficult news that our South West Teaching Centre will close in the summer of 2028. This decision follows several years of sustained viability challenges affecting the Centre, a long review process and discussion with local dioceses and national Church of England colleagues, against a backdrop of significant changes in the landscape of theological education and fluctuating numbers of vocations across the Church of England.
St Mellitus College exists to serve the mission of the Church and was established in a spirit of partnership. As such, we have always worked closely with our diocesan partners to support them in training and mission since the College was launched in 2007. We were delighted when, in 2017, the dioceses of Exeter and Truro invited us to set up St Mellitus College, South West with the aim of working with them to establish provision for full-time ordination training in the region in a multi-directional “partnership in the gospel” that aims to bring together the best of what is offered in different regions to enlarge the vision of all. It has therefore been a joy to partner in mission in the region through the training of ordinands, undergraduate and postgraduate students studying with us.
The Diocese of Exeter’s Director of Mission and Ministry, the Rev’d Preb Ian Bussell:
“The St Mellitus model of context based training has been an important and innovative addition to the training pathways available to ordinands in the South-West which will be greatly missed,”
The sustainability of the South West Teaching Centre has been under pressure for a number of years. Over that time, the landscape of theological education and national vocations to ministry has changed significantly alongside increasing costs, creating challenges for providers across the sector. Responding to this changing landscape, over several months the College has been prayerfully exploring various options in consultation with the Dioceses of Exeter and Truro and as part of a review of training provision in the region involving Spiritus College and Trinity College Bristol . In light of the pressures being faced, the long-term trends affecting the Centre and following an extended period of review and discernment that was attentive to maintaining the best possible learning experience of students and a flourishing learning cohort, as well as financial and operational viability, the College has with a heavy heart taken the decision to close the South West Training Centre.
Revd Dr Sean Doherty, Executive Principal said:
“With a heavy heart, the St Mellitus Board has recently reached the conclusion that it is not possible to sustain the Centre in the longer-term and to bring the centre to a close in summer 2028. By this time, almost all the current ordinands at the centre will have completed their training. I recognise that this may come as disappointing news as it does reduce the training options available to ordination candidates in the region, as well as the strength of something that is really locally rooted.
This is a difficult decision which we know will cause sadness as for many alumni and our partners in the region, although we remain hopeful and expectant for the fruits of the ministry of all those who serve in the South West Dioceses. We remain committed to the relationships which have been cultivated in the region and trust that new opportunities will emerge from this decision to enable the flourishing of vocations and training in the South West."
St Mellitus College is committed to supporting the training and formation of its students, and there will be no impact on other St Mellitus College teaching centres in the East Midlands and London. We will be working with the dioceses during this next period of transition as we support and care for our students and staff team. It has always been a joy to enable ordinands and lay leaders from across the country to learn from each other and build lasting friendships, and we will miss the contribution of the South West into our national life, however we hope to continue friendships and collaboration going forward.
Revd Dr Liz Grier, Centre Lead said:
“Through its students, staff, supervisors, parishes and diocesan partnerships, the centre has made a significant contribution to the life and mission of the Church in the South West.
As I have reflected and prayed about this, I have been reminded that even though our circumstances may change, the God who has called us remains the same. Our help comes from the Lord. Therefore, we entrust ourselves, our students, our staff, and the future of ministry and formation in the South West into his hands. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1).”
Please do join us in praying for all those impacted by this news. In the meantime, St Mellitus College, South West, will continue to serve its current students and in due course the college and dioceses will explore how to give thanks for the contribution of St Mellitus College, South West to the life of so many people in ministry.