NHS England (NHSE), CPPE and the Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharm) are working collaboratively to develop and deliver a new pilot education and training pathway – the Pharmacist Enhanced Practice Pathway pilot (also known as the Enhanced Pathway).
From 2026, most newly qualified pharmacists in the UK will be independent prescribers at the point of registration. This is an important step towards pharmacy becoming a prescribing profession. Pharmacists in their early years of practice will need structured support to develop confidence and competence in this role – and that’s where the Enhanced Pathway comes in. The pathway builds on pharmacists’ foundation training to further develop confidence, competence and consistency in prescribing practice through structured learning.
The Enhanced Pathway is fully funded by NHSE and aligned to the RCPharm Enhanced curriculum. It uses a blended learning approach including modular online learning, workshops, supervised learning events, use of an e-portfolio and support in the workplace from an educational supervisor.
If your employer cannot provide an educational supervisor (for example, if you are a locum or work in an independent pharmacy or small multiple), CPPE will provide this support.
The Enhanced Pathway will offer 1200 places in total: 300 with CPPE-provided educational supervision and 900 with employer-provided educational supervision. Places will be split across two cohorts, with around two-thirds in cohort 1 (September 2026) and one-third in cohort 2 (January 2027). Pharmacists from all sectors who are annotated as independent prescribers (IP) at the point of registration are eligible to apply.
Applications for cohort 1 will open on 1 September 2026.
For more information, contact: newlyqualified@cppe.ac.uk
Pharmacists who are independent prescribers (IP) at the point of registration, working in any sector, are eligible to apply, provided they are delivering NHS services.
Pharmacists working in primary care who are funded as part of the Primary Care Network Additional Role Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) are not eligible to apply and they should apply for the Primary care pharmacy education pathway (PCPEP).
Pharmacists who are not independent prescribers at the point of registration are not eligible to apply and will instead be supported through alternative development routes, including the CPPE Preparing to train as an independent prescriber programme and an IP course funded by NHSE.
Cohort 1:
Cohort 2:
Applications may close before the advertised deadline for both cohorts if all available places are filled, so early application is encouraged.
Applications will be approved within two weeks of application and learners will receive a welcome email with information on how to access the learning modules and portfolio immediately after approval.
Educational supervisors play a central role in supporting learners to develop confidence, apply their learning in practice and progress through the Enhanced Pathway. Through regular contact, they provide guidance, feedback and challenge, helping learners reflect on their development and embed new knowledge and skills in the workplace.
Educational supervisors will:
All modules are delivered through the Canvas online learning platform and can be completed at a pace that suits the learner. Modules include case studies and reflective activities to support application in practice and are aligned to Domains 1-4 of the Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharm) Enhanced Curriculum.
The Induction and Getting ready to prescribe modules are core. Learners can then choose either the Education or Leadership and Management module.
Induction
The pathway begins with an induction webinar for learners and educational supervisors, providing an overview of the pathway and key roles and responsibilities.
The module develops reflective practice skills and supports learners to complete a Learning Needs Analysis (LNA) aligned to the RCPharm Enhanced Curriculum. This helps identify development needs and create a personal development plan.
Getting ready to prescribe
This module helps newly qualified pharmacists build confidence in prescribing, strengthen clinical decision making and manage increasing complexity in practice.
Learning includes self-assessment against the RCPharm Competency framework for all prescribers, case studies, reflective activities, an interactive workshop and a webinar with experienced prescribers. Learners are also encouraged to attend face-to-face Prescribing perspectives workshops, which provide opportunities to discuss complex prescribing scenarios and learn alongside peers.
Education
This module supports pharmacists who are involved in developing others. Topics include workplace-based assessment, feedback, mentoring, coaching, supporting learners and planning inclusive educational activities.
Leadership and Management
This module develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to lead effectively in pharmacy practice. It focuses on self-awareness, resilience, communication, working with others, quality improvement and service development.
Newly qualified pharmacists will be given access to the Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharm) e-portfolio, funded by NHS England, to record and reflect on their learning. Access to the e-portfolio is available to all learners and does not require RCPharm membership. Credentialing with the RCPharm is encouraged.
Newly qualified pharmacists will have the opportunity to undertake supervised learning events (SLE) with their educational supervisor or a practice supervisor in the workplace. SLEs are structured learning activities that provide feedback and guidance to develop specific skills or knowledge. They offer valuable opportunities for practical learning, reflection and building clinical confidence.
Supervised learning events (SLEs) are recorded using standardised tools to support a consistent and structured approach to learning and development.
In addition to the pathway modules, learners have access to a wide range of CPPE learning programmes and resources. These can be used to address learning needs identified through the Learning Needs Analysis (LNA), supporting development in areas such as clinical knowledge, consultation skills, service delivery and career progression.
