Non-urgent advice: 2026 Foundation Programme Allocation
The UKFPO has allocated 10,810 applicants to foundation schools for the 2026 Foundation Programme with 82.3% of those applicants getting their first preference.
The 10,810 applicants that have been allocated are all from the prioritised group as defined by the Government’s Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act. Most priority group applicants will be allocated to specific foundation programmes in April 2026, with a small number being allocated to placeholders, receiving their programme details at a later date. We can confirm that all priority group applicants will be allocated to a foundation programme, and foundation schools will ensure that all placeholders receive details of their posts as soon as possible.
The UKFPO has introduced a national reserve list which includes 738 applicants who are in the non-priority group. Further rounds of allocation to a foundation school will take place if vacancies become available.
We encourage all applicants to check the UKFPO website regularly for further updates.
A comparison of allocation data for FP2026 and previous years can be downloaded as a PDF [.pdf, 127KB].
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.
Recruitment reminders and quick links
Education and Support quick links
- Supporting Transition and Entering Practice (STEP) – information for doctors starting F1 in August 2026
- 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)
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