The Website Services team at NHS England are testing early designs to understand how you find information. Your views will help us check our ideas work. Sign up to take part in our user research

Applying to become a GP educator

All qualified GPs wishing to pursue accreditation as a named Educational and/or Clinical Supervisor, either for the first time, after relocating to the South West GP School footprint, or following a break from active supervision, should complete this online Expression of Interest form.

New prospective supervisors will be required to attend the GP School’s accredited South West GP Supervisors Course.

Relocating supervisors or those wishing to seek reapproval following a break, will need to discuss their individual circumstances with the local Patch Associate Dean. The criteria set out above still apply.

South West GP Supervisors Course takes place approximately three times per year.

2027 course dates

Spring
Module 1Thursday 11 March 20279.30-1.00Online
Module 2Thursday 25 March 20279.30-1.00Online
Module 3Tuesday 13 April 20279.30-1.00Online
Module 4Tuesday 27 April 2027ALL DAYLeonardo Hotel, Exeter
Module 5Wednesday 28 April 2027ALL DAYLeonardo Hotel, Exeter
Summer
Module 1Thursday 10 June 20279.30-1.00Online
Module 2Thursday 17 June 20279.30-1.00Online
Module 3Thursday 1 July 20279.30-1.00Online
Module 4Thursday 15 July 2027ALL DAYThe Walnut Tree Hotel, Bridgwater
Module 5Friday 16 July 2027ALL DAYThe Walnut Tree Hotel, Bridgwater
Autumn
Module 1Thursday 14 October 20279.30-1.00Online
Module 2Wednesday 27 October 20279.30-1.00Online
Module 3Tuesday 9 November 20279.30-1.00Online
Module 4Tuesday 23 November 2027ALL DAYArnos Manor Hotel, Bristol
Module 5Wednesday 24 November 2027ALL DAYArnos Manor Hotel, Bristol

Course attendance is agreed by the local Programme Team, based on need. Please see Becoming an Educational or Clinical Supervisor for information

In advance of each cycle Local Programme Teams use a range of information to identify priority invitees, which can include:

  • Creating additional capacity within new or existing Learning Organisations
  • Succession-planning, where an existing Supervisor intends to retire or step down from training
  • Providing support for Supervisors where they are the only trainer within a practice/Learning Organisation
  • Other local intelligence

Course attendance is agreed by the local Programme Team, based on need. There may be a delay while awaiting a course and it is possible that not all applications will progress if additional capacity is not required. Please discuss applications with your local team if you feel further information may help them prioritise.

Overview of process from expression of interest to maintaining approval

Step 1: Express your interest

Complete the online prospective supervisor expression of interest form.

Local programme teams use various information to identify priority invitees to each supervisor training course, including:

  • creating additional capacity within new or existing learning organisations
  • succession planning where existing supervisors intend to retire or step down
  • supporting supervisors who are the only trainer within a practice
  • other local intelligence

Step 2: Attend the South West GP Supervisors Course

New prospective supervisors attend the GP school’s accredited South West GP Supervisors Course. Courses take place approximately three times per year.

Relocating supervisors or those seeking reapproval following a break should discuss individual circumstances with the local patch associate dean.

More information is available on our South West GP Supervisors Course webpage.

Step 3: Initial approval meeting

Once you have completed the appropriate course modules, your local programme team will arrange an initial approval meeting.

Evidence required:

  • current equality, diversity and inclusion certificate (dated within last 3 years)
  • GMC number
  • date of entry to GP register
  • date started work in current organisation
  • South West GP Supervisors Course completion certificate
  • induction timetable
  • resident doctor timetable
  • supervisor timetable

Also have to hand:

  • prescribing cost centre code
  • practice manager’s email address

Step 4: maintain your approval

All supervisors must:

  • submit an online annual self-declaration
  • participate in 3-yearly peer reviews (managed by local programme teams)
  • engage with ongoing continuing professional development