With a vision for an interdenominational, evangelical college that would transform the rising tide of liberal scholarship in Western universities and prepare Christians to interact with the post-war world, London School of Theology was formed in 1943, originally based in Marylebone, in the centre of London. 

Initially, the college – originally known as London Bible College (LBC) – offered only correspondence courses and evening classes.

But by 1944, over 300 students were enrolled, and just two years later, the number was up to 1,400, with evening classes being taught all over the UK.

In Autumn 1946 the first full-time students started their studies at 19 Marylebone Road. The site had recently been purchased by Sir John Laing and was given to LBC rent-free for a period of three to five years. The college grew rapidly and the premises were quickly outgrown.

In 1956, work begun on a new building. LBC operated out of temporary buildings for a number of years as the old building was demolished to make room for the new. The new building was dedicated on 10 May 1958 and two thousand people were packed into 19 Marylebone Road to celebrate this momentous occasion, with excerpts of the service even broadcast by the BBC.

In the meantime, a new problem emerged. During the ‘wilderness years’, when LBC had no buildings of its own, student numbers had grown to the point where the new building was operating at full capacity as soon as it was opened. Further growth of the college continued, and in 1970 LBC moved to Northwood – our current campus – buildings previously occupied by the London College of Divinity.

Finally, in 2004, London Bible College was renamed as London School of Theology (LST). This name change did not represent a change of focus, but rather, a renewed commitment to serve Christians from all around the world for whom the term Bible College did not clearly convey our commitment to academic rigour alongside our core commitment to the supreme authority of scripture for faith and life.

Today, London School of Theology has around 300 students, as well as around 150 Life-Long Learning Students. LST is currently led by our Principal, the Revd, Professor Mark J. Cartledge. He is accountable to a Board of Trustees and supported by an Executive Team: Dr Shivanthi Manickasingham (Academic Secretary and Director of Academic Services), Jonathan Mead (Director of Finance and Administration), and Revd., and Dr David Hilborn (Academic Dean and Senior Lecturer in Church History).