Non-urgent advice: Update for applicants on the Reserve List
The UKFPO would like to update you on the current position regarding the likelihood of foundation programmes being available for applicants in the non-priority group. Following the enactment of the Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act, we are committed to allocating all the priority-group applicants to foundation programmes first.
When subsequent vacancies occur through applicant withdrawals, we will allocate applicants from the national reserve list, which is made up of non-priority group applicants. Applicants will be allocated on Oriel via Preference Informed Allocation using their computer-generated rank and their foundation school preferences.
We hope to start this process week commencing 15 June 2026, subject to available vacancies, and then continue to allocate on a regular basis. These withdrawals and offers may take place late in the recruitment process, possibly into July, but we are keen to work with applicants to ensure that as many as possible are allocated. We will publish a proposed timetable and guidance to support this process in due course.
Recruitment reminders and quick links
- Prioritisation FAQs
- F2 Stand-alone 2026 updated indicative programme numbers
- F2 Stand-alone 2026 Guidance
- UKFP 2026 Application timeline – key dates for the application window
- 2026 Foundation Programme Allocation statement (March 2026)
- Important Update: Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act becomes law (March 2026)
Education and support quick links
- Supporting Transition and Entering Practice (STEP) – information for doctors starting F1 in August 2026
- Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) – guide for foundation doctors and faculty
- Webinar: Two months until ARCP – actionable points to round out your e-portfolio – April 2026 – watch on YouTube
- UKFP Syllabus – new webpage copy of the UKFP Syllabus (2021 Curriculum)
- UKFP Curriculum Resource – links to elearning and webinars relevant to each FPC
- UKFPO Fellow Project Summary – The Left Field Shift – Dr Kaveeta Malhi (UKFPO Fellow 2025-26)
Non-urgent advice: Important update: Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act becomes law
The Government’s Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act has now been passed by Parliament and become law. The Act brings in new rules which prioritise UK medical graduates for Foundation training and give preference to UK graduates and doctors with significant NHS experience for Specialty training.
The Government has confirmed that these changes will take immediate effect. This includes recruitment to all Foundation and Specialty training programmes commencing from August 2026.
We encourage applicants to review the Prioritisation FAQs for the Foundation Programme and to continue checking our website for further information. We are unable to respond to individual enquiries regarding the rationale for the introduction of the bill.
Please also refer to the NHS England Frequently Asked Questions for information on the bill and background on its introduction.
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