Non-urgent advice: UKFP 2026 Reserve Allocation Update
The UKFPO can confirm that in the first two rounds of allocation from the reserve list, a total of 268 applicants were allocated to a Foundation School.
In round one 154 applicants were allocated
In round two 114 applicants were allocated.
Currently 401 applicants remain on the reserve list.
Two further dates for reserve list allocation have been agreed and have been added to the 2026 application timeline.
As with the first two rounds, some applicants on the reserve list will be allocated to a Foundation School in each round and this will be dependent on the number of vacancies available at that time.
Round 3 allocation will take place on 15 July 2026
Round 4 allocation will take place on 29 July 2026
Applicants allocated to a Foundation School in each round will then be required to preference groups in Oriel and once matched to a group, will then preference programmes in Oriel. Refer to the timeline for all dates and deadlines. FAQs have been added to our website to help provide applicants with information about the process.
Recruitment reminders and quick links
Education and support quick links
- FP Curriculum 2021 (2026) Revision published – the revised curriculum for all UK FDs
- Evidence of completion of FP – guidance on documentation FDs will receive once you have completed F1 or the FP
- Foundation doctor stories and advice – support for new FDs, and opportunity for current FDs to share their experiences
- 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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