GP registrars in England have access to an NHSE study budget that can support your professional development — including structured consultation practice. This guide explains how the process works and how to frame the learning need when discussing it with your Educational Supervisor.
The study budget basics
NHSE funds study leave and associated costs for GP registrars. If you’re framing your request as SCA preparation specifically, the usual route is code GP0001, which covers up to £600 for one exam preparation resource across the training programme.
However, if you’re an ST1 or ST2 — or if the resource is supporting broader consultation skills development rather than exam preparation — a different funding code or budget heading may apply. This varies by deanery, so it’s worth discussing the right route with your Educational Supervisor and TPD before purchasing. The key is that the resource supports a documented learning need in your PDP, whether that’s framed as exam preparation or ongoing professional development.
The process varies slightly by deanery, but the principles are consistent: get approval before you purchase, keep your receipt, and submit your claim through the appropriate system.
Framing the learning need
This is worth thinking about before you speak to your Educational Supervisor, because “I want to buy an SCA practice tool” is a weaker request than one that’s grounded in your specific learning needs.
Consider what you’re actually trying to develop. Some examples:
“I want to improve my consultation structure under time pressure.” If you’re consistently running over in surgery or struggling with pacing, structured timed practice addresses a specific skill gap — not just exam preparation but a clinical development need.
“I need more practice with mental health and paediatric consultations.” If your experience so far has been weighted toward medical presentations, practising the breadth of primary care is a legitimate development goal that happens to align with the SCA’s Clinical Experience Groups.
“I want regular structured feedback on my consulting that I can track over time.” If your current feedback is informal and inconsistent, a tool that gives you domain-specific, documented feedback supports your PDP and gives your ES something concrete to review.
“I want to develop my consultation skills alongside my clinical experience, not just cram before the exam.” If you’re an ST1 or ST2, this positions the resource as part of ongoing development rather than premature exam preparation.
Your Educational Supervisor is more likely to approve — and approve enthusiastically — when the request connects to a genuine learning need rather than just “everyone else is using it.”
Step by step
1. Discuss with your Educational Supervisor. Talk through the learning need first. Explain what you’re trying to develop and how the resource supports it. For items under £600, ES approval is usually sufficient. Some deaneries also require TPD sign-off.
2. Submit your study leave application. Most deaneries use INTREPID or a local equivalent. When completing the form, include the course type (professional development or exam preparation depending on how you’re framing the learning need), the appropriate funding code (GP0001 for SCA preparation, or whichever code your ES and TPD advise for broader professional development), the resource name and URL, the cost, and a brief description linking the resource to your learning need.
Some deaneries use separate PDF claim forms. If you’re unsure which process applies, ask your local PGME support team.
3. Purchase the resource. Only after approval. Retrospective claims are frequently rejected. Keep your confirmation email and receipt.
4. Submit your expense claim. Upload your receipt to the study leave system. Aim to submit within two months. Reimbursement appears on your payslip.
5. Document the learning. After using the resource, add it to your e-portfolio. Most consultation practice platforms provide a certificate of completion or a progress report you can download. Use this as evidence of educational activity in your PDP and discuss what you learned with your ES.
ConsultMentor pricing for reference
Single course (10 cases): £75 — 10 trainer-designed scenarios, unlimited attempts, domain-specific feedback, 1 month access.
The Bundle (30 cases): £175 — all 30 scenarios, unlimited attempts, cross-case analysis, 1 month access.
At £75–£175, this sits well within the £600 limit and leaves budget available for other resources.
Common questions
What if I’ve already used my GP0001 claim on something else?
Discuss with your TPD. There may be discretionary funding available, or the resource may be claimable under a different budget heading depending on how the learning need is framed.
Can ST1s and ST2s claim?
Yes, but probably not under GP0001, which is typically reserved for exam preparation. If you frame the request around consultation skills development — and it’s a documented goal in your PDP — your ES may support it under a different funding heading. The important thing is to have the conversation with your ES and TPD about which route applies in your deanery.
Do I need RCGP approval for the resource?
No. The NHSE study budget covers a wide range of educational resources. Individual RCGP approval is not required — the same way it isn’t required for courses from Emedica, Arora, or other independent providers.
What evidence should I add to my e-portfolio?
A certificate of completion and a progress report showing your domain scores and development over time. Your ES can review this to see how your consultation skills are progressing — it gives a much more concrete evidence base than “I did some practice with a study partner.”
Not sure whether ConsultMentor is right for your learning needs? Try a free case first — it takes about 15 minutes and gives you a full feedback report. No sign-up, no payment, no commitment.
