Foundation Programmes

Please note that if there is a ‘0’ in the place's available column in Oriel, this group and/or programme will not be available to preference for posts commencing in August 2025. Therefore, do not Rank anything with a '0'.

All Foundation schools have a group in Oriel called 'Placeholder' the group contain training programmes which are still being finalised. See our the Placeholder FAQs here.

 

On allocation to the Scottish Foundation School (UoA), you will be required to complete a 2-stage process to match you to a Group and Programme.

In addition, the Scottish Foundation School will host a webinar for all allocated applicants to inform of the detailed process of the 2-stage ranking process to Groups (regions) and Programmes (rotations/posts).

Information on how to register will be included in our Welcome email which will be send via Oriel and our Foundation School email account: sfas@nes.scot.nhs.uk on 27/02/2025.

The Oriel preferencing page is set to timeout after 59 minutes of inactivity for more details on Group and Programme preferencing see here.

Please read the regional information as some regions offer a fixed F1 year and an allocation process for F2 (East and South-East) with the North and West offer a fixed 2 year programme.

 

Stage 1 - Group Matching

• You are required to rank the Groups (e.g. E03, N04, S07, W01 etc) in your order of preference. 
• Groups are 'clusters' of programmes that are in a particular region. You can rank the Groups in any order e.g. N01, S06, W21, E05 and you do not have to rank all the groups in one region together you need to preference the groups in order of choice.
• You will be matched to a Group based on your rank and preferences.

 

Stage 2 - Programme Matching 

• Once you have been matched to a group, you are required to rank the individual Programmes (e.g. E03001, E03002) in your matched group which also provides you with information on the order of the rotation of placements.
• You will be matched to an individual Programme in accordance with your rank and preferences.

 

Please note:

• All programme matches are final
• The Scottish Foundation School does not facilitate any programme swaps

 

Disclaimer: 

All applicants to the Scottish Foundation School will be guaranteed a two-year Foundation Programme. However, it is important to note that even after being matched to and starting an individual programme within the two-year Foundation Programme, you may have to change from the indicative allocated individual programme or have placements within your programme altered at short notice. This could be for a number of reasons, including your training needs, working time regulations, national directives and service redesign.