What is Less than Full Time (LTFT) Training?
Less than full time training (LTFT) is when a GP Registrar (GPR) reduces their working hours below the standard 100% full time (40 hours per week) to a different percentage such as 60% or 80%.
There are many reasons a GPR may choose to apply for LTFT training, and consideration must also be taken to look at the impact this will have on the training pathway and expected CCT.
The British Medical Association provides some helpful information on LTFT.
How to Apply for LTFT Training
All GPRs can apply for LTFT training, the only requirement being a well-founded individual reason.
- Already in training – Please start discussions with your Educational Supervisor (ES) and Training Programme Director (TPD) in the first instance.
- Not yet commenced training – Please include in your Oriel application that you would like to train LTFT. This will be communicated through to the GP School before you commence your pre-employment checks. You will still need to apply via the application form to confirm your Training Progamme can support this.
- Currently on a period of extended leave – This may include parental leave or long term sickness absence as examples. If you are wishing to return at LTFT, please make contact with your TPD and the SE Professional Support and Wellbeing Service (PSWS) to request this as soon as possible.
GPRs are advised to make contact with their GP Training Programme Director if they are considering LTFT training and should do so before completing a LTFT Training Application Form.
As per the Gold Guide, LTFT applications must be submitted to allow trusts to administer applications which normally takes three months to complete. Because of this, the KSS GP Deanery Team require applications to be submitted with minimum of 16 weeks’ notice to inform trusts with 12 week’s notice.
Application Windows
For programmes on 4-month rotations, you can apply for LTFT at:
- August 2026 Rotation Point: apply between 10th April – 22nd April 2026
- December 2026 Rotation Point: apply between 13th July – 12th August 2026
- April 2027 Rotation Point: apply between 16th November – 16th December 2026
- August 2027 Rotation Point: apply between 15th March – 14th April 2027
For programmes on 6-month rotations, you can apply for LTFT at:
- August 2026 Rotation Point: apply between 10th April – 22nd April 2026
- February 2027 Rotation Point: apply between 14th September – 14th October 2026
- August 2027 Rotation Point: apply between 15th March – 14th April 2027
- February 2028 Rotation Point: apply between 13th September – 13th October 2027
For ST3s in 12-month GP placements, there are no application windows but the 16-week notice period still applies.
For those already on LTFT training who wish increase your percentage, the 16-week minimum notice period will still apply, but this could be offered with shorter notice depending on the current placement.
For those not yet commenced training, you can apply within the windows above but will generally have a week’s deadline following the Oriel Programme Allocation deadline. This will be communicated to those applicable by the central programme team.