Purpose of this page
This page explains GP-specific study leave arrangements for GP Registrars in the South West. It should be read alongside the main South West Study Leave Guidance, which sets out the general principles, application process, funding rules, expenses and appeals process. Study Leave Guidance – Working across the South West
GP-specific training expectations
Study leave in GP training should support progression through the GP curriculum and sit alongside mandatory teaching, educational supervision and clinical placement requirements. Regional teaching, including half-day release where applicable, remains a core training commitment and should be prioritised when planning other study leave activity.
Study Leave Entitlement (GP only)
GP Registrars have a defined annual study leave allowance.
- 30 days (60 sessions) per year study leave entitlement pro-rata.
- Time spent attending mandatory teaching (e.g. half-day release) is included within this allowance.
- Therefore, 7 days (14 sessions) remain to apply to use for further study leave outside of half day release (pro rata)
- Additional study leave in extended training can be applied for after discussion with the local education team including Training Programme Director and Associate Dean (AD).
Academic Clinical Fellows (ACF)
Study leave arrangements differ for ACF trainees.
ST3–4 ACFs:
- Approximately 50% academic time across training
- Academic study leave is approved by the university supervisor and funded separately
Professional Leave
Professional leave is separate from study leave.
Covers activities such as:
- Job interviews
- Committee work
- Educational or training-related roles
- Should not be taken as study leave or annual leave.
- Trainees should provide sufficient notice to allow rota planning.
- It is recommended that no more than 5 days per year is taken, to avoid impacting progression.
GP course categories
A full course list can be found here (click on ‘PC’ tab) : Course-List-2026-2027-v2-1.xlsx
The GP course categories below are intended to help GP Registrars, Educational Supervisors, Training Programme Directors and Associate Deans understand how common GP-related study leave requests are normally considered. The main South West Study Leave Guidance and Course List (link above) should still be used for the formal application, approval and reimbursement process.
Category 1: Essential or directly curriculum-related activity
Category 1 activity is normally fully supported where it is clearly required for GP curriculum progression or is an essential enhancement at the trainee’s current stage of training.
In addition to the course list, GP registrars can also access
- IMG and /or SPEX support Programme
- For GPRs who have had an unsuccessful attempt at AKT or RCA/CSA a one day course may be considered if recommended following discussions with ES/TPD & AD. These would be considered in a case-by-case basis by the Head of School
Category 2: Discretionary GP development activity (ST3)
Discretionary category 2 courses are only available to ST3. Under exceptional circumstances, they may be available to ST2 with AD approval.
Category 2 activity is discretionary and will normally require clear educational justification, evidence that it supports the trainee’s PDP and confirmation that it is appropriate for their stage of training. Funding limited to 50%, and requires Training Programme Director approval.
Examples may include selected GP-relevant development courses such as dermoscopy, minor surgery, or attendance at a GP conference where the educational benefit is clearly demonstrated.
Before applying (GP specific)
Before applying, GP Registrars must check the main Study Leave Guidance, Course List and expenses policy. GPRS must discuss the request with their Educational Supervisor or Training Programme Director where required and add it onto their PDP. GPRs must ensure the activity can be accommodated within their placement.
Approval is required through:
- Rota manager (hospital placements), or
- Practice manager (GP placements)
Applications for study leave must be submitted a minimum of 8 weeks before the course takes place, as retrospective applications will not be approved.
Application process:
Bath, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Swindon and Plymouth: Applications are made via the Accent Expenses system.
Cornwall, Exeter, North Devon and Torbay: Please follow your local lead employer expenses process.
For further information about the application process, contact your local patch teams: Local Patch Teams – Working across the South West