What happens in the Paediatrics (ST1) interview
Yes, Paediatrics ST1 selection includes an interview. In the 2026 recruitment round (posts starting in August or September 2026, the latest round with a published format), applicants shortlisted on their application form had a virtual interview on Qpercom, coordinated by the Paediatrics National Recruitment Office (part of NHS England) with the RCPCH: two 20-minute stations, about 45 minutes in all, covering four parts of up to 10 minutes each (Communication, Career Motivation, Reflective Practice and Paediatric Clinical Reasoning). Two clinicians in each station score you independently, and you need at least 88 out of 160 (55%) to be appointable.
Checked against the official sources on 27 September 2026.
The parts, in order
The first part of the interview. You are given a scenario to read 5 minutes before the virtual interview starts, then talk with a role player (a patient, parent or carer), explaining a clinical condition or the reasons for an intervention or transfer. Assessors mark the content against a list of key points and your overall performance.
Your commitment to a career in paediatrics, your understanding of the specialty, and how your personal attributes and career so far will make you a good paediatrician. You do not show a portfolio, and the assessors do not see your application form, so prepare the examples you want to talk about; they do not have to be strictly clinical.
You reflect on a significant clinical event from your career so far, where something went well or not well: how it changed your practice and how you shared the learning. Spend as little time as possible describing the event, so most of the time goes on the reflection.
One assessor puts a case-based scenario to you, set in paediatrics, and you describe the relevant issues and how you would manage the situation. It does not test complex paediatric knowledge: the expected level is that of a UK F2 doctor, and assessors look for a clear, methodical approach that takes account of your own level and ability.
How it is marked
Two clinicians in each station score you independently. Each of the four parts is worth 20 marks per assessor (40 in total), giving an interview score out of 160, and each assessor follows a scoring framework for the specific scenario with positive and negative indicators. At the end of each interview day the scores are reviewed, and final marks are agreed by the interviewers, lay chair and Clinical Lead. Offers are made in rank order from a single national list based on your interview performance; your shortlisting score is not carried over.
Passing
To be appointable you need at least 88 out of 160 (55%). You can score above this and still be vetoed for serious concerns about behaviour, performance or dangerous decisions, and a low score (25% or below) on any station from either assessor leads to a discussion with the Clinical Lead before a final decision is made. Being appointable does not guarantee an offer: offers depend on your rank and preferences.
Worth knowing
- Only shortlisted applicants are interviewed: eligible applicants have outnumbered interview places in recent years, so your application form is scored to decide who is invited.
- You may bring paper notes you have prepared yourself and make notes during the interview, but not use an electronic device, and you must show on camera that no one else is in the room.
- Timing differs between the two official sources: RCPCH's page says the whole process should last 45 minutes, while the applicant guidance (October 2025) says 50 minutes. Neither says which two parts share each 20-minute station, apart from Communication coming first.
- Observers such as lay representatives may be present, but only the two assessors score you.
- RCPCH's ST1 page (last updated 6 March 2026) still describes the 2026 round. NHS England has published the Paediatrics ST1 person specification for 2027 recruitment, but the interview format for posts starting in 2027 had not been published when this was checked.
Sources
- Applying for paediatric specialty training at ST1 - guidance | RCPCH
- ST1 Paediatrics Applicant Guidance, Round 1 August/September 2026 (Paediatrics National Recruitment Office, NHS England; published by RCPCH)
- ST1 Scoring Guidance for Shortlisting 2026-27 inc. Glossary (RCPCH)
- Paediatrics ST1 2027 person specification | Medical Hub (NHS England)
Formats change. MedMock is not affiliated with any examining body; always check the current regulations on the official site before you apply.
Practise the Paediatrics (ST1) out loud
MedMock runs spoken Paediatrics (ST1) practice with AI and marks every session. The free trial needs no card.
Start free