It offered full-time, part-time, blended and distance learning courses, including specialist modules in pastoral care and counselling and church administration.

The Reverend Thomas Boultbee was appointed as the first principal and a college council and governing body was formed, with Lord Shaftesbury chosen to be its president.

The first premises were near Kilburn High Road Station and the first student, Francis Browne, a lieutenant in the Merchant Navy, was welcomed on 23 November 1863.

In spring 1941, however, faculty, staff and students were evacuated to Wadhurst School in Sussex as the Highbury buildings had been damaged by air-raids and were later requisitioned by the National Fire Service.

In 1970, Michael Green, who succeeded Jordan as principal, oversaw the move from London to the college's current location in the Grade II listed[11] The Grove, Bramcote, Nottingham.

This move meant that the formal name 'London College of Divinity' was not longer applicable, and 'St John's' became the legal title of the institution.