Foundation Trainee Pharmacist funding increase for 2025/26

As part of the reform to the initial training and education of pharmacists (IETP), NHS England has taken on delegated responsibilities from the GPhC for the delivery and management of the Foundation Trainee Pharmacist Programme (FTPP) in England.

This includes providing funding to each site in England that has had a foundation trainee pharmacist allocated to it through the National Recruitment Scheme.

As previously announced, the funding for each training post is:

• A contribution to all costs of hosting a trainee including supervision, administration and salary costs.
• Consistent across all sectors of practice and all regions of England.

In addition, NHS England provides access to a consistent, funded training offer for all  foundation trainee pharmacists across all sectors and regions.

It is recognised that the healthcare system across England faces ongoing financial challenges, including increasing staffing costs in all sectors.

We are pleased to be able to announce that the level of funding for each training site for trainees starting in the 2025/26 training year (Summer and Autumn start windows) has been increased to £27,295.

Information on the increased payment is also being updated in the NHS England Education Funding Guide for 2025/26 and the Drug Tariff.

The increased payments will be made automatically to all eligible training sites, including back-dated pay to the start date of the trainee pharmacist. There is nothing additional that training sites need to do to receive the uplifted payment.

More information on the funding for the 2025/26 training year including Frequently Asked Questions can be found here.

If you have any other questions, please contact your regional NHS England Workforce Training and Education pharmacy team. Contact details can be found below:

North West: england.WTEpharmacy.nw@nhs.net