On this page you will find all the key information related to the National Recruitment Scheme, including the Person Specification and the Professional Attributes Framework on which the selection process is based.
Application window opens Wednesday 4 June 2025 at 12pm (GMT) and will close Wednesday 18 June 2025 at 12pm (GMT)
Applications for the 2026-27 Foundation Trainee Pharmacist training year open on 4 June 2025 (12pm) via the Oriel website, this is the only way to obtain a foundation training place in England and Wales.
The applicant handbook, and further information including an updated link to the RPS webinars, will be made available on this page over the next few weeks.
RPS Webinar
Please see below for a webinar developed in partnership with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Health Education and Improvement Wales, NHS Education Scotland and the British Pharmaceutical Student Association to discuss key aspects of the National Recruitment Scheme and to answer applicant questions. The full webinar is free to access and available below.
Applicant Enquiries
The PGMDE Support Portal is used for applicants to find information relating to recruitment activity.
Please access the portal below, use the search function for FAQs or submit an applicant enquiry form if you cannot find the answers you are looking for.
In collaboration with NHS England, HEIW (Wales) and NES (Scotland), the RPS has published answers to commonly asked questions regarding the National Recruitment Scheme.
Recruitment Timeline
Activity
Month
Applicant handbook available
Mid May
Foundation Pharmacist Training Programme information available on Oriel
6 June 2025
Application window opens
4 June 2025 at 12pm
Application window closes
18 June 2025 at 12pm
Preferencing window opens
23 July 2025
Numeracy/SJT centre booking window opens
30 July 2025
Numeracy/SJT centre booking window closes
13 August 2025
Numeracy/SJT centre Start Date (Pearson VUE Test Centres)
18 September 2025
Numeracy/SJT centre End Date (Pearson VUE Test Centres)
1 October 2025
Preferencing window closes
23 October 2025
First round of offers released
Early November 2025
Offers upgrade deadline
Late November 2025
Programmes commence
July/August 2026
*Please note the date/items are subject to change/TBC