FP 2011 - Your questions answered
Published: 15/10/2010
The UKFPO has developed two new FAQs regarding allocation to foundation schools. These are:
Q. If I have the same score as someone else and there are limited vacancies, how will the allocation work?
A. If the number of applicants who have the same score is greater than the number of vacancies, applicants will be randomly allocated to the vacancies available. Therefore, some applicants who have the same score may be allocated to their first choice foundation school, whereas others will not be. This is the only legally defensible, non-prejudicial way to allocate applicants and is in line with good HR practice.
Example: 15 people have the same score and there are only 10 vacancies remaining at Wales Foundation School. Ten of the 15 people will be randomly allocated to the vacancies, and with the remaining five people being allocated to the next foundation school on their preference list that still has vacancies remaining.
Q. If I do not get into my first choice foundation school, how will I be allocated?
A. You will be allocated to the next foundation school on your preference list that has vacancies, after those who score higher than you have been placed.
Example: John scored 62 on his application. He didn’t get into his first choice foundation school as it was over-subscribed. The next four choices on his preference list were also oversubscribed. His 6th choice, Wales, still had one vacancy available. Michelle scored 56 on her application and chose Wales as her 2nd choice. As John scored more highly than Michelle, he will be allocated to Wales as his score was higher. At this stage, score becomes more important than preference.
However, if both John and Michelle scored 62, and there was one vacancy left in the Wales Foundation School, the system would randomly allocate either John or Michelle to the last vacancy, regardless of the fact that it was Michelle’s 2nd choice and John’s 5th choice.
These questions can also be found on a list of FAQs offering general guidance on applying to FP 2011:
The 2011 Foundation Programme application form - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Further FAQs are available for Question 1 on the application form regarding educational achievements:
Question One (Educational Achievements) - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
