University of Essex to CLOSE its Southend campus in major restructure

The University of Essex has announced that its Southend campus will close down in summer 2026, marking the end of more than twenty years of teaching, research and community activity in the city.

The decision follows a significant downturn in student numbers, particularly among international students, where enrolment in Southend has dropped by 52% since the 2021 to 2022 academic year. University leaders say the fall has created financial pressures that require major organisational change.

A phased redundancy programme will now take place across the whole institution. Around 200 academic posts will be cut this academic year, with a further 200 professional services roles expected to go over the next two years. In total, about 400 roles are set to be made redundant.

A University spokesperson said: “These are exceptionally difficult and incredibly sad decisions to take, and we are mindful of the people behind these roles – who work tirelessly for our students – and the weight of what this will mean to them. Southend has played an important part in the University’s story, but international student numbers at the campus have fallen by 52% since 2021-22. Focusing our teaching, research and student services on fewer sites will give our University a consolidated platform for the future and enable us to better respond to the significant financial challenges facing the whole UK higher education sector.”

The institution has confirmed that all courses currently based in Southend will move to the Colchester campus. For existing students, nothing will change immediately. They will continue to study in Southend until the end of summer 2026.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Frances Bowen said the University needed to rethink how it operates to provide the best possible environment for students.

She said: “To provide the best environment for our students to flourish we must deliver our mission in a different way. This not only means having to operate more efficiently and reduce our costs but also focusing on our strengths and delivering a student experience across the whole university that matches the investment students are making in their own future.

“As a world-class research institution, we are taking action now that strengthens our long-term sustainability and positions Essex for the next 60 years. We know this news will cause concern among our staff and students, and we are putting in place additional support to help them throughout this period and updating them regularly.

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly but after reviewing all reasonable alternatives, we find ourselves having to make decisions we could have never previously imagined.

“I want to pay tribute to every member of our staff who has played a part in the Southend Campus. We are exceptionally proud of the contribution of our staff to Southend over more than 20 years and the graduates they have nurtured across business, theatre, health and social care. The work of our staff has and will leave a lasting legacy.”

Southend MP responds to campus closure news

Bayo Alaba, MP for Southend East and Rochford, has thanked university staff at the Southend Campus for what he described as exceptional dedication to local young people, particularly during the difficult years that followed the pandemic.

He linked the closure to long-term funding decisions, saying previous cuts to Further Education had caused “a real and damaging impact on communities” and that the decision to shut the Southend campus “is just one example of that failure”.

The MP said the immediate priority must be making sure students and staff are properly supported throughout the transition.

He said: “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.”

He added: “The news that approximately 200 staff face losing their jobs this academic year, and further reductions in the following year, will be deeply disconcerting for the community. Their efforts and dedication to Southend is greatly appreciated by myself and the city.”

Bayo Alaba MP said he would work with university leadership and Southend City Council to secure a future for the site that continues to benefit residents, learners and local employers.

Council leader councillor Daniel Cowan also commented on the city’s wider potential, saying: “Our city is perfectly placed to play a major national role. 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”.

For the city, the closure represents a major shift. The campus has long been part of Southend’s regeneration strategy, drawing students and investment into the city centre while supporting local businesses.

The next two years will now see the University manage the transition of staff, students and facilities, while Southend prepares for the departure of one of its most prominent educational anchors.

A brief history of the University of Essex in Southend

1964–1965
The University of Essex is founded and opens its Colchester campus, focusing on research-led teaching.

1970s–1990s
The University grows its national and international reputation. During this period, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council begins exploring higher education partnerships to support local regeneration.

Early 2000s
Southend Council works directly with the University as part of its town centre regeneration strategy, aiming to bring more education, investment and footfall into the city.

2006
The Southend campus officially opens with the Gateway Building. The project is backed by the Council and regional funding bodies, making it a key regeneration milestone.

2010
Clifftown Studios opens for East 15 Acting School, expanding the University’s presence and strengthening Southend’s cultural sector.

2013
The Forum library opens as a major shared facility between the University of Essex, Southend Council and South Essex College.

2019–2022
International student numbers fall sharply. Southend sees the steepest drop, later identified by the University as a 52 percent decline since 2021 to 2022.

2026
The Southend campus is scheduled to close. Southend City Council is expected to be heavily involved in future decisions about the site’s redevelopment.