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Core Surgical Training

Core surgical training · ~2 yrs (uncoupled; higher ST3 applied for separately)

Recruited by NHSE London & Kent, Surrey and Sussex (with the RCS), via Oriel

How Core Surgical Training selection works
Core Surgical Training (CT1) ranks you twice. Everyone who applies sits the MSRA; it ranks the field to decide who is invited to interview, and the score also carries 10% into the final rank. Those invited upload their portfolio, then attend a two-station interview where the portfolio is scored. The final offer rank is MSRA 10% + Portfolio Station 45% + Management & Clinical Station 45%.

Provisional — 2026/27 dates are based on last cycle's pattern. NHS England publishes confirmed dates around October 2026.

1
Apply5,399(100%)
22 Oct – 19 Nov 2026
2
Sit MSRA
5–18 Jan 2027
3
Ranking

The MSRA ranks everyone who applies and decides who is invited to interview. It is the only ranking gate before interview, and the score also carries 10% into the final rank.

MSRA100%
4
Portfolio Submission1,200(22%)the top-scoring 1,200 at MSRA are invited to interview and upload their portfolio evidence
15–25 Feb 2027
5
Interview1,200(22%)the same invited applicants attend the two-station interview
1–10 Mar 2027
6
Ranking

Final offer rank: the MSRA 10%, the Portfolio Station 45% and the Management and Clinical Station 45%. Both stations are scored at the interview.

MSRA10%
Portfolio45%
Interview45%
7
Offer Released630(12%)top-ranked applicants are offered posts
by 23 Mar 2027
8
Post starts
Aug 2027
Sources