Introduction of greater flexibility in recruitment against current allocations

To maximise recruitment in areas that have capacity to go further, NCTL will now allow providers and schools that are above 90% of their current allocation a recruitment level of 125% for all subjects, excluding PE and undergraduate courses.

In addition, they may allow requests beyond this increase if there is good evidence to do so – these will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

This will apply to HEPs, SCITTs, and School Direct partnerships in all category one subjects (drama, history, and primary, excluding PE and undergraduate courses). It will apply to HEPs and SCITTs in all category two subjects (art and design, biology, chemistry, English, and music), with School Direct partnerships continuing under the same methodology as before.  

The 25% increase applies to each subject (excluding PE and undergraduate courses) individually, rounded up to the nearest whole number. For example, an initial allocation of ten places in English, with a 25% increase, will lead to a new maximum of 13 places. These requests need to be made via the Data Management System (DMS) to monitor overall allocations.  

The recent communication of a 10% tolerance in each subject to allow flexibility and support ITT retention issues remains for all allocated subjects, including PE and undergraduate courses. Please note, the 10% tolerance is in addition to the 25% increase for the subjects listed above.