All applications need to be submitted prospectively using Accent Leave Manager, at least 6 weeks in advance of the leave start date. For reimbursement guidance please see the information page here.
Please be aware that unless you provide ALL of the following information for your study leave application, we will not be able to process your payment.
RCA Recording Minutes
We would like to support resident doctors in their preparation for the assessment by allowing the cost of up to an additional 800 minutes of recording time to be reclaimed via study leave. Any minutes above this would need to be purchased at your own expense.
It is important to note and be aware that these are recording minutes and not a storage limit ie deleting a consultation does not free up additional time for recording.
Approval and Process
Resident doctors should use local processes with the training practice or Trust to apply for study leave days, but study leave funding is paid by the lead employer.
Study leave is only available to meet the competencies of the MRCGP curriculum and must have an appropriate PDP objective in the resident doctor e-Portfolio prior to the study activity and learning log entry afterwards.
In West Midlands, Study Leave funding will be agreed on an individual application evaluation process. ACFs are reminded that funding towards a masters/diploma is included in their training costs to the university and enquiries should be made to their academic supervisors on access to such support.
The preferred courses would be NHS England, RCGP or Fourteen Fish. Justification for other courses will need be provided and any payment may be capped.
For more information and guidance on claiming study leave, please refer to the National Study leave guidance located here.
Exams
Travel, accommodation and subsistence for exam leave can be requested in the application process, this includes overnight accommodation for morning only RCA assessment. Exam fees cannot be claimed.
In order to support this preparation, the GP School will permit a maximum of 5 days of the study leave allocation to be used for private study and examination preparation each year. This should be used sensibly in good time for maximal effect.
Appeals
If you wish to appeal a decision made against your study leave request, please complete the study leave appeal form located here and submit to https://nhs-help.freshdesk.com/support/home.
Page last updated 20th Aug 2025
