The short answer
GP trainees in Kent, Surrey and Sussex can claim up to £600 towards an SCA preparation course under code GP0001, with a maximum of one course per sitting. The claim is an external supporting activity, which means it needs supervisor sign off but is an expected part of the approved list rather than a discretionary ask.
How much you get
The KSS approved list allows "Exam preparation course relevant to level of training (max 1 per sitting)" at "Max £600 per AKT or RCA/SCA preparation course", code GP0001, available across ST1 to ST3 (KSS General Practice approved list, revised March 2026). The list also notes free internal AKT revision via the PSU in London (code GP0017), worth exhausting before spending your budget on AKT so the paid claim goes where you need it most.
The list explicitly states it "is not intended to be restrictive": activities not on it go through the discretionary approval process rather than being refused outright.
Does it cover SCA prep courses?
Yes, by name and with a per-sitting allowance, which is more forgiving than deaneries that allow one course across the whole of training. The South East framework classifies activities as essential, supporting or aspirational; exam preparation sits in supporting, which takes priority over aspirational requests when budgets tighten.
Is the SCA exam fee itself reimbursed?
Not from the study budget: travel and accommodation to attend exams is claimable under TRAC0001, but the list is explicit that this covers "no exam fees". Separately, under the June 2026 resident doctor contract agreement, doctors in England can reclaim their first two SCA attempts for exams sat from 1 April 2026, through their employing trust. Details: Is the SCA exam fee reimbursed?.
How to claim
- Discuss with your Educational Supervisor and add the course to your PDP.
- Follow the South East study leave application process for resident doctors (in force from 1 April 2026) and get approval before booking.
- Claim reimbursement with receipts after attending, quoting GP0001.
Check your deanery in 10 seconds.
Quoted from each region’s published study leave policy. We’ll draft the pre-approval email for you.
Up to £600 · code GP0001
Most English deaneries fund one SCA preparation course, typically up to £600 under GP0001. Rules differ by region, so check yours.
NHSE study leave policy, national overview·Read the full policy
Get pre-approval
The drafted email names the course, code and fee.
Enrol, get the invoice
Itemised, with dates and taught hours.
Get reimbursed
Send it in with your approval in writing.