July 2025 SQE 1 Statistical Report

Recently the Solicitors Regulation Authority released a July 2025 SQE 1 Statistical Report. In this article we review some of the data from the report.

In July 2025, 5,851 candidates took FLK 1 & FLK 2 of SQE 1 and the overall pass rate was 41%.

July 2025 SQE 1 Statistical Report

The pass rate first time candidates is 46%. This is the lowest first pass rate for both first time candidates and candidates retaking since the first SQE 1 exam in January 2024.

The SRA set the pass mark at 300 out of 500, but they can adjust the score depending on the difficulty of the sitting.

The report provides the table below, showing the breakdown of results.

The report contain various data and graphs:

1. Score distribution charts
2. Score quintile chart
3. Performance by practice area
4. Pass rates
   • By ethic group
   • Disability
   • Gender
   • Age category
   • Religion or belief
   • Education
   • Undergraduate degree classification
   • Parent education
   • Occupation of main house hold earner at age 14
   • Type of school attended between ages 11 and 16
   • Qualifying work experience
   • Qualified lawyer
   • First language

Read the full report on the SRA Website.

Mixed Reactions

Commentary has flooded the internet, as many students express disappointment and low morale spreads through the test taker community.

Dr. Shatzberger brings out an interesting point:

As an educator on various programmes, if students consistently failed at these levels, we would have to (a) review the teaching and (b) review the exam structure, especially one that has been heavily criticized. Many SQE candidates are exceptional, high-achieving students who have never failed an exam before. Yet here they are, bruised and battered.

However, the situation not clear cut:

1. The SQE exam is relatively new exam. However, we all agree that no one should simply hand out the title of solicitor. Day one solicitors must receive proper training and be of a certain competency
2. Why don’t the SRA release past papers?
3. Why haven’t providers published their pass rates?
4. Kaplan has had many embarrassing issues
5. Are test takers receiving the support they need
6. The cost of funding a prep course combined with exam fees can quickly add up
7. Test takers fear their jobs are at risk if they do not pass
8. Does the market need more solicitors? (Has the SQE attracted more candidates, therefore, potentially saturating the market)
9. Has the bottle neck shifted from the golden contract era?
10. Interestingly, SRA recently defended the use of single best answer multiple choice questions in SQE 1.

Links to read

1. Chrissie Wolfe’s LinkedIn post titled “The SQE pass rate has dropped to 41%“
2. Dr. Elliot Schatzberger’s LinkedIn post titled “#SQE1 41% pass rate = 59% fail rate“
3. Catherine Snook’s Linkedin post titled “The SRA has released the results from the July SQE 1 sitting“
4. Adam Khattak’s Linkedin post titled “The SQE was supposed to make a legal career more accessible. However, the recent July SQE 1 sitting saw a 41% pass rate. It’s hard not to take note.”

not the right comparison

I thought I’d check out the pass rates for the Bar exam in the US. If you are interested, the National Conference of Bar Examiners publishes bar exam results by jurisdiction. You can review here. While this has zero relevance with the SQE 1 results in the UK, it’s an interesting data point.

The Hard Truth

It’s an honor and privilege to be able to call yourself a solicitor. We should never reduce the competency required for entry. However, what can we do to ensure test takers are getting the support they need?

If you are a SQE 1 candidate or have taken SQE 1 what tips would you share?

Passing the SQE takes time and dedication. Reviewing the material to understand the nuances and practicing multiple choice questions.