the 4 students are sorted, as I hoped they would be: http://newarkadvertiser.co.uk/news/2017/06/29/international-students-told-they-can-stay-after-all

There is leeway in the rules, the Home Office can make exceptions. There will still not be new visas for intending students until Lincoln College regains Tier 4 status or another sponship arrangement is sorted. I expect that will happen but probably not in time for students who had intended to begin instrument crafts courses next term.