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2026 ST3 Trauma & Orthopaedic Interviews

Your Complete Guide to the 2026 National Recruitment Process

Preparing for the 2026 ST3 Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery Interview: What You Need to Know

Competition for Trauma & Orthopaedic (T&O) Surgery ST3 posts continues to intensify each year.

In 2025, the competition ratio was 4.56:1, with 684 applicants for 150 posts. This is an increase on the 2024 ratio, which was 3.18:1, or 522 applications for 164 posts.

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With structured scoring, strict evidence requirements, and a high-stakes interview, the 2026 recruitment round demands early planning and strategic preparation.

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This page provides everything you need to navigate the process confidently—key timelines, scoring insights, preparation advice, and practical actions to help you secure your preferred post.

Virtual Team Meeting

Key Dates for 2026 ST3 T&O Recruitment

​Staying on top of the national timeline is essential. The recruitment window is tight and unforgiving—missing a single deadline can cost you the entire cycle.

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  • Applications open: 20 Nov 2025

  • Applications close: 11 Dec 2025

  • Portfolio evidence validation: 27/28 Jan 2026

  • Interview window: 24–27 Mar 2026

  • Initial offers released: 14 Apr 2026

  • Holding deadline: 22 Apr 2026

  • Upgrade deadline: 23 Apr 2026

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Action Point: Add these dates to your calendar now and plan backwards so your evidence and preparation are ready on time.

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Understanding the Application Journey

The ST3 recruitment process follows a standardised national structure. Knowing each step helps you prioritise your preparation and avoid last-minute pressure.

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    The process begins with completing the Oriel application form, where you provide personal details, employment history, and qualifications. It also includes the essential self-assessment scoring section - an area that requires careful reading and absolute honesty. 

    This step sets up the foundation for your portfolio score, so accuracy is critical.

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    Every self-assessment claim must be backed with appropriate, consultant-validated documentation. This includes:

    • Logbook consolidation sheets

    • Certificates for courses, exams, and teaching

    • Published papers & presentations

    • Audit and QI projects

    • Teaching feedback and formal involvement

     

    Evidence must meet strict criteria, and any claim that cannot be validated will score zero, regardless of merit. Many candidates have unfortunately fallen foul of this previously, with missing dates or smudged signatures costing vital points so be meticulous in your evidence presentation.

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    Your uploaded portfolio is reviewed and scored independently. The validated score becomes part of your overall ranking and determines interview shortlisting.

  • Job interview

    Shortlisted candidates attend a structured multi-station interview assessing:

    • Clinical decision-making

    • Prioritisation and judgement

    • Communication

    • Commitment to T&O surgery

     

    Interviewers follow a detailed scoring framework—structured, concise, and safe answers will always score highest.

  • Surgical Team View

    Following interviews:

    • Your portfolio + interview scores generate a national ranking.

    • Initial offers are released in April.

    • You can use the upgrade/hold system to refine your preferences.

How Scoring Works — and Why It Matters

The ST3 recruitment process is driven by two major scoring components:

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Portfolio Score (Validated Self-Assessment)

This reflects your surgical experience, academic activity, quality improvement work, teaching, courses, and other achievements. The scoring matrix is detailed and unforgiving—missing signatures, unclear dates, or inappropriate evidence can cost valuable points.

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Interview Score

The interview typically carries the largest influence on your final ranking. Even candidates with strong portfolios often find that their interview performance determines whether they secure their preferred deanery.

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Interviewers use structured scoring criteria, and each domain rewards clarity, clinical safety, communication, and awareness of T&O training requirements.

Why Thorough Preparation Is Essential

Success in ST3 recruitment is rarely accidental. Strong candidates consistently:

  • Prepare their evidence early

  • Practise interview scenarios repeatedly

  • Understand the scoring criteria inside out

  • Refine their communication and structure

  • Align their experiences to the person specification

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Common Pitfalls

  • Missing consultant signatures on logbook sheets

  • Unclear or poorly scanned evidence

  • Over-claiming in self-assessment (leading to downgrading)

  • Unstructured interview answers

  • Running out of time in scenarios

 

These issues are all easily avoidable with preparation!

Ready to Strengthen Your ST3 Application?

✔ Start your portfolio audit now
Gather logbook evidence, request signatures, and ensure every document is clear and consistent.

✔ Learn the scoring matrix
Know exactly how points are awarded—this reduces mistakes and lost marks.

✔ Stay exam-fit
Refresh key trauma and orthopaedic knowledge to support calm, reasoned decision-making under pressure.

✔ Practise interview stations
Use structured frameworks for clinical and prioritisation tasks to ensure safe, high-quality answers.

✔ Book mock interviews early
Feedback from senior trainees or consultants significantly improves performance.
 

OrthoPro offers a comprehensive ST3 Interview package consisting of all-inclusive knowledge course, personalised CV review with feedback tailored to your strengths and weaknesses, and a highly sought-after mock interview with on-the-spot feedback and opportunity for development.

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