The University of Essex has confirmed that its Southend campus will close in summer 2026, triggering widespread concern across the city and leaving staff and students facing major uncertainty.
The University says its decision to close the Southend campus has been driven by falling numbers of international students and financial pressures linked to operating multiple sites.
The university has pointed to the need to consolidate teaching and services in order to remain sustainable, with all Southend-based courses set to move to Colchester once the closure takes effect. Around 800 university students currently study in the city.
The University says that international student enrolments at the Southend site have dropped by 52 percent since since the 2021 to 2022 academic year.
The announcement has sparked shock across Southend, with staff, students, councillors and MPs recognising the long-term impact on local education and employment.
One shocked staff member, Soph Anne, said: “There is a feeling of real upset and betrayal amongst staff at the Southend campus and lots of people feel very let down. People are scared about how they’re going to put food on the table for their kids in a cost of living crisis that is already eating away at their pockets and to drop this on them just before Christmas is insensitive and cruel.”
Southend City Council Leader: “A difficult and unsettling time”
Councillor Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend City Council, said: “We are disappointed by the University of Essex’s decision to close its Southend campus in 2026 and understand this will be a difficult and unsettling time for the students and staff affected. We note the reasons given and hope the University will provide clear information and support to everyone during this transition.
“However, I must stress that our city remains perfectly placed to play a major national role in higher education, business, and culture. With excellent connectivity, strong regional links, a thriving airport, and close proximity to London, Southend has the ambition and talent to drive growth, skills, and innovation for the whole region.”
The closure is one of the most significant changes to Southend’s higher education landscape since the campus first opened, and raises fresh questions about how the site will be used once vacated.
MPs call for answers and support
Southend East and Rochford MP Bayo Alaba praised campus staff and called for robust support throughout the transition. He thanked staff for their “exceptional dedication” to local young people, particularly during the post-pandemic years.
Alaba said cuts to Further Education funding in previous years have had “a real and damaging impact” on communities, and described the decision to close the campus as “one example of that failure”.
He added: “I remain firmly committed to providing stability and opportunities for our community. I have seen first-hand the ambition, creativity, and determination of those in higher education when visiting the campus. I know that the staff have worked hard to support students and have tried to avoid reaching this point.”
The MP highlighted that around 200 staff face losing their jobs this academic year, with further reductions expected next year, calling the news “deeply disconcerting for the community”. He will write to the university for clarification on how the decision was reached and will request a meeting with the Minister for Skills.
Southend West MP David Burton-Sampson said: “I am very disappointed at the news that Essex University are cutting Southend’s Campus. There is a significant impact from losing 800 students in the city. I understand concerns that fewer degree level qualifications will be available locally to students here. The priority must be ensuring the continuity of studies for those already engaged in their degrees.”
He also paid tribute to staff, noting the quality of the facilities he toured earlier in the year.
Students warn the closure could force them out of education
Students have described the announcement as devastating, particularly those with caring responsibilities or limited travel options. Nursing student Lisa Docherty said:
“As one of those nursing students, I’m disappointed to say least! We all are. I personally chose Southend due to being a single parent, wanting to build my career in nursing whilst getting that extra time with my little girl when I can throughout the 3 years because it’s not far away from where I live! Now we are all looking at a journey that could potentially be an extra 4/5 hours on to our day, not to mention the expense of travel and child care costs.
“Most of us have given up a lot to do the course, I’m sure for some it was not an easy decision, I’m nearly 48 years old and it took me a lot of guts and courage to make the decision of going to university so for me personally tonight has been tough, not knowing where the future lies or if I’ll even be able to continue.”
South Essex Colleges Group: “No impact on our colleges”
South Essex Colleges Group, which is not affiliated with the University of Essex, stressed that its own campuses and courses are unaffected. It said:
“South Essex Colleges Group (SECG) would like to clarify that the University of Essex is not affiliated with Southend City College or University Centre South Essex, both of which are proud parts of SECG. This proposal has no impact on our colleges, our campuses, or the education we provide. As an organisation rooted at the heart of our community, we remain fully committed to delivering high-quality further and higher education opportunities for the people of Essex and beyond.”
What happens next
The university will begin transition planning, while MPs, councillors and local organisations push for clarity, job protection and a long-term plan for the site that continues to benefit the city.