Is the SQE successful?

Is the SQE successful? Four years of SRA data suggest it is broadly meeting its aims on standards and access, despite ongoing challenges.

The SRA published its SRA corporate strategy 2023 through 2026 in November of 2023 which states:

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) will be widely recognised as a valid, reliable and fair assessment that ensures solicitors entering the profession meet the standards of competence required of them and opens up access to the profession to aspiring solicitors from every background.
Deliver well functioning SQE assessments, including the SQE in Welsh, and analyse and publish statistical data and feedback about the SQE and its impacts.

Is the SQE Successful: four years on

The SRA has published its four year review of the SQE, covering results from the first assessments held from November 2021 to July 2025. This includes data from eight SQE 1 and twelve SQE 2 sittings. Over 30,000 candidates were assessed in 50 countries.

Pass Rates and participation

For SQE 1, first time pass rates have ranged between 46% and 60%, with 66% of all candidates who have attempted passing overall (included candidates that sat multiple times).

For SQE 2 first time sitting pass rates ranged from 69% to 84%, with an overall pass rate of 85% for all attempts (included candidates that sat multiple times).

Diversity & Background

Around 35% of candidates identify as Asian/ Asian British, Black/ Black British. 14% are from the lowest socio economic background. 63% are female and 35% were male. With 2% who selective “prefer not to say” or “other”.

Solicitor apprenticeships

More than 800 apprentices have passed the SQE with an overall pass rate of around 71% (SQE 1) and 93% (SQE 2) which is higher than the over pass rates mentioned above.

As an engineering apprentice, more money needs to be directed to apprenticeship schemes for individuals. But that is for another day.

Interesting Insight

Resitting candidates, those who fail their first attempt and choose to resit generally have lower pass rates than candidates sitting for the first. Typically, around 20% of those who resit SQE1 pass.

Is the SQE Successful: conclusion

Success is relative on how you define it.

In closing, the data suggests the SQE can reasonably be described as successful in regulatory terms. It has established a single, consistent standard for qualification across all candidates. It has also assessed large numbers of candidates over multiple sittings while widening participation and attracting a diverse cohort.

At the same time, the data show that the SQE remains a demanding assessment with uneven outcomes across groups and sittings. This highlights the need for continued monitoring and improvement.

Taken together, the SQE has delivered meaningful change while still evolving.

Read the full report from the SRA

SRA News Release. The SQE: Four Years On Report here.
SRA corporate strategy 2023-2026 with easy read PDF