SQE Update - December 2025

In this bulletin, find out about the new SQE1 and SQE2 sample questions just published, the latest SQE evaluation report and an update on publishing candidate performance data. You can also watch our recent SQE virtual event that focused on apprenticeships.

Year three evaluation report charts perceptions of the SQE

The latest SQE evaluation has found growing confidence among employers in the SQE and widespread support for solicitor apprenticeships. Candidates were positive about qualifying work experience but shared concerns about the SQE costs, comparing different training options and the clarity of the assessments.

The report is the latest stage in our ten-year SQE evaluation and was produced independently by IFF Research. It reflects the views of more than 2,000 stakeholders. The candidates who took part in IFF’s interviews, focus groups and surveys sat the SQE between September 2023 and July 2024, and so would not have benefitted from later improvements. 

Read the release.

New SQE course comparison tool coming soon

Launching in early 2026, a new online tool will make it easier to compare SQE training courses and materials. You will be able to search by course duration, cost, delivery method (eg online, hybrid, or in-person) and study type (eg part or full time). This resource will help aspiring solicitors choose the right training option for them through clear, comparable information.

Candidate performance data publication update

An important aspect of the SQE is that candidates have the flexibility to self-study or to choose from a wide range of preparation courses and materials. When we launched the SQE, we committed to publishing pass rate data by training provider to help candidates when considering their options.

To date we have not had confidence in the quality of the data collected and publishing this data would risk misleading candidates.

Find out more about the adjustments we are making and our plan to publish contextualised data.

Read the statement.

SQE2 July results

Results from the latest SQE2 sitting in July have been released to candidates. The data shows a pass rate of 79% among first-time candidates and an overall pass rate of 76% across the 959 candidates who sat the exam.

Find out more about the results.

50 new SQE1 sample question now available

We have released 50 new SQE1 sample questions – taking the total up to 220 questions – to help candidates and training providers who support them. The new questions are split evenly between the two assessments (FLK1 and FLK2) and have been used in previous exam papers.

Take a look at the new sample questions.

New SQE2 sample questions

Two new SQE2 sample questions have been published, adding to the eight existing. These include a written discussion of the answers, legal-point guidance and performance analysis in areas covering Wills, Probate and Business Organisations. Kaplan has also updated the website terms and conditions to allow training providers to include the sample questions in their training materials (subject to conditions).

Find out more about the sample questions.

2027 SQE assessment dates announced

The dates for January and July 2027 SQE1 sittings and January, April, and July 2027 SQE2 assessments are now available. The April SQE2 window will start in the third week of the month and run for four weeks, with other assessment sittings unchanged.

Find out more about the dates.

Exploring SQE candidate characteristics and score factors

A new report explores the diversity of SQE candidates and factors that influence their results. It shows candidates are very mixed, with strong representation from people from less privileged backgrounds and different ethnicities. The analysis found that most difference in scores can’t be explained by the data we hold, but previous education accounts for the majority of the variance that can be explained. Other personal characteristics have smaller or negligible effects.

Read the full report.

Updated guidance on assessment confidentiality and candidate behaviour

Kaplan, our assessment provider, has published updated guidance on confidentiality and candidate behaviour when sitting the SQE. This has been revised and reformatted to clarify key points, including:

• the link between confidentiality and fairness
• links to relevant policies and standards
• updated advice on permitted behaviour and what constitutes a breach.

Read the guidance.

FAQs on preparing for SQE2 and understanding the marking process

Kaplan has launched a new FAQs webpage to support SQE2 candidates and help them understand how the assessment is marked. It explains who marks the assessments, how candidate performance is graded and the measures in place to make sure marking is fair.

Take a look at the new SQE2 FAQs.

Solicitor apprentices continue to perform well

The latest statistics shows solicitor apprentices are increasing in number and continue to outperform non-apprentices in the SQE [up to April 2025]:

• SQE1 FLK1 pass rate: 68.1% (vs 64.4% overall)
• SQE1 FLK pass rate: 59.5% (vs 68% overall)
• SQE2 pass rate: 87.8% (vs 79.1% overall)
• apprentices made up 5.7% of SQE1 candidates and 6.3% of SQE2 candidates on their first attempt
• 57% come from the lowest three socio-economic groups in the SQE1 cohorts.

The findings underline apprenticeships as a key way to widen access and diversity in the legal profession. Find out more about apprentices’ performance and the solicitor apprenticeship programme.

How solicitor apprenticeships work

At a recent event, we explored how solicitor apprenticeships are improving access to the profession and shared practical insights for employers.

Our speaker, Kerry Gilbert, Vice Chair of the Solicitor Trailblazer Group, highlighted these key takeaways:

• Earn while you learn opportunity – apprenticeships are a six-year programme combining paid work with study covering SQE preparation and often including a law degree.
• Funding support – the Growth and Skills levy covers training and SQE costs for eligible firms, while smaller firms can access 95% government co-funding.
• Benefits for firms and employers – apprentices bring fresh perspectives, align with firm culture from day one, and help build a pipeline of future leaders.
• Supporting diversity – apprenticeships are widening access and improving social mobility, offering an alternative to traditional training contracts.
• Upcoming changes – from January 2026, funding will focus on younger candidates (16–21), so firms should consider options for graduate and mature applicants.

Watch the full video and access other helpful resources.

Become an SQE2 assessment marker

Kaplan is expanding its pool of freelance SQE2 markers and is looking for experienced solicitors to help assess written tasks and attendance notes for the SQE2 exams. In particular, it is looking for experience in these areas:

• Business organisations, rules and procedures
• Wills and Intestacy, Probate Administration and Practice
• Property Practice.

Your role will be to assess the candidates’ skills and application of law against the relevant assessment criteria. This role is homebased, and you would attend virtual marking standardisation meetings and mark the written assessments and/or attendance note online, using an online platform. Full marking training will be provided.

Apply by Friday 16 January. Find out how

Help us review our Statement of Solicitor Competence

We are reviewing the Statement of Solicitor Competence and SQE Functioning Legal Knowledge to make sure they remain up-to-date. To support this, we’ll host online focus groups in February and March 2026 and are inviting the following to get involved:

• practising solicitors in England and Wales
• legal academics teaching or researching relevant law
• SQE training providers
• others with relevant legal experience

These small group sessions will last around half a day and be facilitated by the SRA and Kaplan. And your feedback will help shape the future of solicitor qualification and maintain the SQE as a fair, valid assessment.

If you would like to take part, register your interest by 23 December.

Updated qualifying through the LPC route guidance

We’ve refreshed our guidance for those considering qualification through the LPC route. By selecting the relevant option on our website, you can explore the choices available to you and understand the next steps on your journey. This update offers clear, up-to-date information if you have the LPC already, are currently studying it or are considering starting it. 

Read the updated guidance