Closure of the College of Osteopaths – information for students
This page provides information for students on the closure of the College of Osteopaths, including options for continuing your studies or receiving credit for your academic attainment to date.
The College of Osteopaths has announced that it will be closing on 28 February 2026.
All students currently studying at the College of Osteopaths will be able to continue their studies at the University of Derby and arrangements are being put in place to manage this transition.
We will update the page with more information as it becomes available.
Information for students
Students at the College of Osteopaths have been told that the college will cease operations and their higher education courses will be closed.
We have been working with the college and its validator (the University of Derby) to do all we can to ensure that students' interests are protected in this challenging situation.
What can students expect?
Continuing your studies at the University of Derby
As your awards are granted by the University of Derby, it has confirmed that you can continue your studies with them should you wish to do so. You can continue your studies with the University of Derby with effect from 1 March 2026.
The College of Osteopaths and the University of Derby have written to all current students about their transfer options to the University of Derby.
If you are a current student and have any concerns or questions, you can contact the University of Derby through Dr David Robertshaw, Head of the School of Health and Social Care, who is overseeing the planning for the University.
For students based in Stoke, your teaching will continue to be delivered at the university’s campus in Derby.
For students based in Borehamwood, the University of Derby is working towards continuing delivery at the campus in Hendon. Students should continue to attend their upcoming teaching sessions unless communicated otherwise by the University of Derby.
It is anticipated that the college’s clinical facilities in Stoke and Borehamwood may have to close. The University of Derby is working with the General Osteopathic Council to identify suitable alternative locations for students to complete the clinical placement aspects of their award.
The university will also allocate you a Personal Academic Tutor who will be able to provide support related to your individual academic circumstances.
The University of Derby already holds securely full details of student records and academic progress, including details of learning enhancement plans.
The University of Derby can also discuss with you options for taking an exit award or the transfer of credits for study already completed.
Courses at other higher education providers
While many students will want to transfer their studies to the University of Derby, we recognise that you may wish to look at other options.
Students can consider transferring to another provider and the University of Derby can help you to identify suitable alternatives. A list of providers recognised by the General Osteopathic Council is available on its website.
Students can also explore the full range of study options available to them through UCAS, which has information on the majority of undergraduate courses in the UK.
If you want to end your studies
If you are considering ending or pausing your studies, we would strongly encourage you to speak to the University of Derby to ensure you have considered all your options.
If you do decide to end your studies, the university will be able to provide you with a record of your academic attainment to date.
If you are retaking assessments or have suspended studies
You will be able to complete any reassessments or deferred assessments. The University of Derby will take over administration of these.
The university will contact you individually to arrange submission of any assessment work by 13 March 2026.
Break in study
If you are currently on a Break in Study, University of Derby will reach out to you individually by 6 March to discuss your options.
Tuition fees
The Student Loans Company (SLC) is aware of the College of Osteopaths’ closure. SLC is responsible for paying tuition fees directly to colleges and universities on behalf of students. Once you confirm where you will complete your studies, the university will inform SLC and tuition fees will be paid as per the normal process.
For example, if you transfer your studies to the University of Derby, they will notify the SLC of your change in circumstances.
If you have a question relating to fees and finances, please contact the Student Services Team at the University of Derby. Advisers can be contacted directly either via email or by phone on 01332 593000.
Self-funded students
If you have paid for all or part of your course upfront without a student loan, you may experience delays to any refund you seek because an administrator would be appointed to consider all creditor’s claims.
If you used a credit card to pay for your fees you may be able to use Section 75 refunds in accordance with UK consumer protection law.
If you have a complaint that relates to the closure of courses at the College of Osteopaths, you should raise the matter with the University of Derby in the first instance. The university should have a complaints procedure that explains how to make a complaint.
If you are not satisfied with the way the university handles your complaint, you can raise the matter with the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA). The OIA is an independent body that reviews student complaints about higher education providers in England and Wales. The OIA’s service is intended as a free alternative to legal action.
Because the College of Osteopaths has ceased operating it is unlikely that the OIA will be able to fully review your complaint and if it were to uphold a complaint there are likely to be limited options for putting things right. You should contact the OIA directly for more information.
While all students will be able to transfer to the University of Derby if this is the right option for them, we recognise that this news may cause stress or anxiety.
In addition to Dr David Robertshaw who will be able to provide answers to any questions you have about the process, the University of Derby has dedicated wellbeing advisers who can support you through this period.
They can be contacted via email or by phone on 01332 593000. The Union of Students’ advice service is also available to support you.
Contacts
If you are a current student and have any concerns or questions, you can contact Dr David Robertshaw, Head of the School of Health and Social Care at the University of Derby.
You can contact dedicated wellbeing advisers at the University of Derby via email or by phone on 01332 593000.
If you have a question relating to fees and finances, please contact the university’s Student Services Team. Advisers can also be contacted directly either via email or by phone on 01332 593000.
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