Competition Ratios

Competition ratios can be misleading. Our advice therefore is that you make your deanery choices based on where you see yourself working for the next 3 years. If you really don’t know which deaneries to choose, we suggest that you do some research into the type of programmes offered at each deanery, the geographical areas covered by each deanery, the main Trusts in each of those areas, transport links to home, and so on. Bear in mind that if successful, you will be committing to that area for the next 3 years. If in doubt about geography and travel links, then websites such as www.british-towns.net can help. You can also access individual deanery and programme profiles from the Deanery section and from there you can access deaneries own web sites for even more information.

You may find the following information from the August 2008 and August 2009 recruitment rounds helpful. We strongly suggest that you read the Assessment Process pages on this web site so that you understand how the GP assessment and selection process works.

Application Ratios

In 2008 there were approximately 3 applications for every vacancy at ST1 level nationally. In 2009 there were more vacancies available but the overall number of applicants was lower. The national figure for Round 1 in 2009 was slightly fewer than 2 applications for every vacancy. The figures below are based on first choice deanery preferences. London and Northern Ireland continue to remain the most competitive deaneries.

Selection Centre Ratios

All deaneries offered approximately 1.5 Selection Centre places for every vacancy in 2009. Selection Centre places are allocated to applicants based on their ranking and their deanery preferences after the first assessment. Nearly 90% of shortlisted applicants were invited to attend Selection Centre at their first choice deanery (2008 figures: 85%). All selection centre places at London and Northern Ireland were allocated to candidates who gave these deaneries as their first choice.
 

Offer Ratios

All appointable candidates in 2009 were made offers either from the deanery where they attended Selection Centre or elsewhere via our national clearing process.

Note: The above information is provided as a guide only. The figures quoted relate only to applicants for the August 2008 and 2009 intakes and it should not be assumed that there is any general pattern. The NRO can make absolutely no guarantees that ratios for 2010 will be in line with the above.