No - they don’t have to fill all the spaces. Because of the time lag it’s easy for them to make later offers, even in the next cycle if needed. But some firms operate reserve candidate lists or keep candidates on hold while they wait back to hear from candidates accepting or declining.
You could wait, but that will then be for a later recruitment cycle (most likely starting in 2027/2028 rather than 2026/27. So a big question would be if you are willing to wait that additional year?
Would advise that you send a polite message requesting for an update on your AC. Sometimes, all calls aren't made in a day. There are several reasons for this - including that they might have tried reaching out but are unable to due to network issues. Secondly, you might have done really well but on a waiting list. So, you might consider reaching out for an update.
You can reapply each year if you were rejected after application. I don’t think you can apply after the interview/vac scheme again. I applied three times and got through to the vac scheme on the third time.
I would wait. The candidate maybe heard back because maybe they had another TC offer and needed to make a decision on it. do you know if that’s the case? They usually send out offers and rejections at the same time so I think that individual has another offer!
I applied for a VS and they didn't have face to face (in person) interview before the VS. The process was 1) application 2) timed video interview (no people) 3) written assessment 4) video interview 5) vacation scheme. In the vacation during you have an interview with partners towards the end. I assume for the TC you have the assessment centre instead of the vacation scheme. I think after the VI if you get rejected you can't reapply because that interview is already with a member of grad recruitment and a partner. But don't quote me!
Also for context my academic and work experience were significantly different from the 1st and 3rd application. By the third time I had built up my CV with more work experience including over a year and a half in professional services and I got a masters. I'm not saying you need that but this was how I built up my CV. The trainees I met at the firm during the VS that went through the direct TC route were graduates and usually had experience working before or had done vacation schemes. My trainee buddy on the vac scheme for example worked at W&C in support services before applying for a direct TC. I think if you have excellent grades - high 2.1/1st and years of post-graduate work experience or at least one vacation scheme apply for a direct TC. The second time I applied to W&C was for a direct TC and I had never done a vac scheme before and I didn't get through the application stage. The third time I applied to W&C was for a vac scheme and it was my first ever vac scheme.
