SQE Update - April 2025

In this bulletin, find out about: how some organisations can apply for free SQE assessment places for aspiring solicitors they are supporting, the latest SQE annual reports and our new SQE2 results video. Plus, how to view our virtual SQE Conference on demand.

Apply for free SQE assessment places

Organisations who support aspiring solicitors facing exceptional barriers to qualify can now apply for funding that will cover the cost of sitting the SQE assessments. To be eligible, the organisation must have a track record of running existing schemes helping aspiring solicitors. The deadline to apply is Wednesday 30 April.

Find out more about the fund

SQE annual report now published

We've published the latest reports on the SQE, covering the third year of the assessments. These include an annual report from the SQE's assessment provider, Kaplan, and one by the SQE's Independent Reviewer, Ricardo Lé. Overall, they have shown the SQE continues to perform well, it is a reliable assessment, and its outcomes are fair.

Read our reports:

SQE1 January 2025 results

The results for the SQE1 January 2025 sitting were published earlier this month. A total of 6,782 candidates completed both parts of SQE1. Of these, 5,908 candidates sat SQE1 for the first time and achieved a pass rate of 60%. The overall pass rate, including those who were resitting, was 56%.

Read the full results statistical report.

SQE: the story so far

Since its launch in September 2021, the SQE route has reshaped solicitor training, removed unnecessary barriers and provided more flexibility. Read our story so far for the key highlights.

Read now

SQE assessment fees to rise

In line with contractual agreements with Kaplan, fees will increase by 2.3% to reflect inflation, plus a small additional uplift towards the costs of translating the assessments into Welsh.

The fees for 2025/2026 will be:

SQE1: £1934 (£1888 for 2024/25)
SQE2: £2974 (£2902 for 2024/25)

These will apply to anyone taking SQE2 in October 2025 and subsequent assessments.

SQE2 results explanation video

Ahead of the SQE2 January results coming out in May, candidates can watch a video to see how their results will be shown to them. For the first time, we have moved to scaled scores for SQE2, and so results will be shown as a score out of 500. The pass mark will always be scaled to 300.

Watch our video to find out more

Degree checks and validation update

Aspiring solicitors must validate their degree or equivalent qualification before applying for admission as a solicitor. Information about this has recently been updated, including changes to the fees by our third-party validation service, Atlantic Data.

Take a look at how degrees are checked and validated

Pathways to qualification explained

There are various pathways to qualify as a solicitor, including the SQE route for both candidates and qualified lawyers, and pathways through the outgoing LPC route which are still available to some people. Each pathway has specific requirements and steps to follow for admission.

Take a look at our pathway information

SQE training providers list and course information

Candidates looking to take the SQE may choose to take a course or other training before sitting the assessments. We have an SQE training providers list we publish, which includes course and training information.

Take a look at the training provider list

Sitting the SQE assessments in Welsh

Candidates can take both SQE1 and SQE2 in the Welsh language if they wish to. If a someone wants to take either assessment in Welsh, they will need to give advance notice to be able to do so.

Find out the advance notice deadlines.

Get involved

SQE Virtual Conference 2025

Our recent virtual SQE conference covered the SQE annual reports for 2023/2024, insights on assessments and answers to common candidate questions. It also covered the latest on qualifying work experience, featuring perspectives and experiences from employers and a newly qualified solicitor.

Watch the conference on-demand

Other ways to get involved

Join our LinkedIn reference group. It will help you keep up to date with the latest SQE developments and opportunities to get involved in our surveys and events.

If you are thinking about taking the SQE, or know someone who is, please follow Career in Law for the latest information aimed at aspiring solicitors.

If you have any questions, or want more information on how you can get involved, contact us.

If you would like us to tell you when we publish new information on the SQE, please subscribe to SQE Update alerts.

Find out more about the SQE.