#SQEready case studies

What are they doing?

The BBC has launched a new Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship starting in February 2022. This offers aspiring solicitors the chance to qualify without any further cost outlay and a permanent contract with the BBC.

What are the benefits of this?

The BBC will fund the SQE through its apprenticeship levy, and the apprentices will earn a salary and other benefits whilst studying as well as whilst working. The scheme offers varied qualifying work experience in their in-house legal team, business-facing commissioning and distribution teams, and through a secondment to a major law firm.

How long will it take?

The programme will take 30 months, beginning with a block release to their training partner, University of Law, for the first nine months. During this time candidates will sit SQE1 and begin preparation for SQE2, which is taken after some practical experience has been acquired. The remaining time on the apprenticeship will be spent rotating through four different legal seats gaining legal and business skills and taking SQE2. Candidates will then, subject to passing character and suitability requirements, seek admission to the roll.

What will it cost?

It won't cost anything for successful candidates, who will have their academic fees paid and will earn a salary throughout.

Who is it aimed at?

Candidates who have a law degree or a non-law degree and a Graduate Diploma in Law, but not the Legal Practice Course. No qualifying work experience is needed either, as that is provided as an essential part of the apprenticeship. They hope this will increase access to the profession.

What are you doing?

From September their 2017 cohort of apprentices will join the firm’s wider trainee pool, whilst continuing to work towards the SQE with training provider BPP. These are the final two years of the apprenticeship scheme and will see the apprentices offered the same opportunities as trainees. They will rotate around different practice area to further expanding their knowledge of BCLP and can then take up a secondment in the second and final year of their apprenticeship.

What are the benefits of this?

The apprentices on the original scheme will have been with BCLP for five years prior to joining the trainee cohort. They have spent time rotating around the teams and building their technical, legal and professional skills. The SQE will further develop and test their knowledge and practice skills. They will be recognised in the firm alongside trainees so, no matter the route to qualification, they will all have the same opportunities. On completion, the apprentices will have an LLB Legal Practice and could take the opportunity to become a junior associate in one of BCLP’s available roles.

How long will it take?

BCLP split apprenticeships to start with a two-year paralegal apprenticeship which gives them a level 4 certificate in legal practice. Once successful completed, they can then progress onto the solicitor apprenticeship which takes a further four years (incorporating the SQE). Apprentices can now count the first two years of the paralegal apprenticeship and so becoming a solicitor takes six years from start through to qualification.

Who is it aimed at?

The apprenticeship is aimed at anyone that has an interest in law and ultimately, would like to practice as a paralegal or continue to qualify as a solicitor. Most of BCLP’s applicants come straight from college, however someone can take up the scheme even if they have studied a degree in another subject. It would be great to see some mature students coming through the scheme to continue to diversify talent.

The City Consortium consists of six law firms: Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Herbert Smith Freehills, Hogan Lovells, Linklaters, Norton Rose Fulbright and Slaughter and May.

What are they doing?

Through their new SQE preparation programme with BPP Law School (BPP), the City Consortium Solicitors Training Programme (CCP) provides their students with the optimum preparation to pass SQE1 and SQE2 assessments.

It also includes a bespoke Plus Programme, designed in close collaboration with BPP, which focusses on these key areas:

• Debt Finance
• Equity Finance
• Private Acquisitions
• Commercial Dispute Resolution
• Business, Innovation and Technology in Law

What are the benefits of this?

The CCP will be delivered in an innovative way designed to mirror the six law firms’ environments. Students will develop essential legal and commercial knowledge (including business, finance, and legal tech), together with a range of technical and professional skills. To experience how these are applied in practice they will work on simulated transactions, within a virtual law firm, so that by the end of the programme they will be ‘practice ready’.

How long will it take?

The CCP will be delivered over 11 months. This will allow students to prepare for and sit both SQE assessments and complete the Plus Programme. The first students will start the CCP in September 2022.

Who is it aimed at?

The CCP is for students who have received a training contract offer from one of the City Consortium firms. These students will work alongside not only those who’ll join their own firm, but also peers with like-minded career aspirations, which they can take with them into practice.

What are you doing?

Deloitte is offering a new route to qualifying with the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) graduate training contract. In their four days a week at the firm, graduates learn on the job, immersed in specialist areas of practice and rotating around every six months. They also learn to integrate the firm’s proprietary legal technology.

Deloitte have also launched a new legal apprenticeship programme. This offers school leavers the chance to gain a law degree while working, prior to them joining the SQE graduate training contract.

What are the benefits of this?

The SQE training contract helps remove the financial barriers usually associated with legal qualifications. In turn, this helps widen access to legal training as it allows people to earn while they learn. Deloitte is committed to diversity and inclusion and therefore it is important that their lawyers are from different backgrounds and changing the way people train is part of that. 

How long will it take?

The first SQE graduate cohort started in September 2020 and will qualify in September 2023. Their first four months were spent acclimatise to the working environment, whilst also undertaking a legal skills course with the University of Law. They then started the formal SQE training in January. Those who join the new legal apprenticeships will qualify in six years, with the first intake becoming solicitors in 2026.

Who is it aimed at?

Candidates who either have A-levels or are graduates and want to work in a different, multi-disciplinary and tech-enabled environment. For graduates without a law degree, Deloitte will sponsor them through a Graduate Diploma in Law.

What are you doing?

In September, Kennedys will be welcoming their first cohort of trainees to Kennedys new SQE Training Programme. It will take the form of a Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship, offered by BPP University, which incorporates the SQE route to qualification.

Kennedys are offering the programme in many of their legal teams across our core practice areas including professional liability, fraud, travel, healthcare, motor and property, energy and construction.

What are the benefits of this?

The SQE training programme will allow students to start working and earning at Kennedys immediately after university, gaining qualifying legal work experience before sitting the SQE1 and SQE2 exams to qualify as a solicitor. Trainees on the programme will also be awarded a postgraduate certificate from BPP.

How long will it take?

It will last for 30 months and will involve working at Kennedys four days a week and having one day a week to study.

Who is it aimed at?

The programme is aimed at graduates. Those who have studied a non-law degree will need to complete the Post Graduate Diploma in Law before starting the programme, however Kennedys will reimburse trainees for their course fees.

Learn more on their website

What are they doing?

In April 2021 KPMG welcomed its first cohort of graduates on the SQE qualification pathway and are currently recruiting for their first apprentices to join in September. KPMG Law Apprentices will initially follow the paralegal apprenticeship and then progress to the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship. All candidates gain a wide variety of work and client experiences through rotational programmes.

What are the benefits of this?

The blended learning approach provides an ideal opportunity to integrate formal and rich experiential multi-disciplinary learning on client engagements. Candidates will also benefit from being part of a much broader community and wider firm network of KPMG’s graduates and other apprentices.

The ability of their legal apprentices to pursue the paralegal apprenticeship, and then progress onto the solicitor apprenticeship, supports the broader goal of opening up the legal profession to a more diverse talent pool.

How long will it take?

The graduate pathway will be a 27 month programme, whilst the apprenticeship pathway is a six year programme. All candidates will be provided with full study support covering tuition, materials and full study leave appropriate to follow the relevant programmes with KPMG’s training providers.

Who is it aimed at?

The graduate programme is aimed at law graduates and non-law graduates who have passed the Graduate Diploma in Law. Whist the apprenticeship programme is for those with a keen interest in pursuing a career in the legal profession, but do not have any qualifications or potentially any previous experience. Both programmes are open to people from all age demographics and not restricted solely to those at the start of their working life.

Learn more about the KPMG law apprenticeships.

What are they doing?

Level are launching their first training contract to start in 2023. As a law firm that likes to do things differently, they are keen to adopt the SQE and the new approach to qualifying.

What are the benefits of this?

Level’s approach to the SQE means that that a trainee will be immersed in hands on training much sooner than previously would have been possible. Because of the way Level is structured differently, trainees will have immediate exposure to high quality work and clients. This means they will be working from day one with 20+ partners on a broad spectrum of matters within their core sectors - media, entertainment, tech and sport.

How long will it take?

The 30 month training contract will involve working at Level four days a week and having one day a week to study for the SQE exams.

Who is it aimed at?

Innovative, interesting students who are focussed on building a career in media, entertainment, technology and sport law. Level are also keen for people with non-academic passions too and encourage a diverse range of interests or life experiences.

What are you doing?

Reed Smith is launching a Professional SQE programme that:

• prepares students for the SQE assessments
• retains the in-depth knowledge of the Legal Practice Course with advanced practice knowledge and skills modules assessed via professional portfolio, resulting in a Masters qualification
• provides the opportunity to build business and innovation skills through paid part time business placements
• enables future joiners to truly hit the ground running as they start their two-year period of training

What are the benefits of this?

• Personalised and adaptive SQE study programmes delivered by BARBRI
• Real-world assessment formats for the advanced knowledge and skills under a professional supervisor, that truly prepare future joiners for practice, delivered by the College of Legal Practice
• Contextualised learning taking place while working part-time with the firm
• Paid placements combined with a maintenance grant and full coverage of SQE examination fees
• Become a part of Reed Smith from day one, a year prior to starting the two-year period of training at the firm
• Opportunity to work with our clients on real-world projects, in business services and/or pro bono to build a more holistic skillset and view of the law firm

How long will it take?

For 12 months, students will study three days a week with BARBRI for the exams or with the College of Legal Practice for the advanced knowledge and skills modules. They will then work the other two days in two four-month long business services, pro bono or client placements. At the end of that year, students will then start their two-year training (qualifying work experience).

Who is it aimed at?

Reed Smith strives to recruit high performing graduates, attracting a variety of talent from a diverse pool. By offering a maintenance grant, along with the national living wage for the two working days, they hope this programme will open doors to a wider pool from a social mobility perspective.

Learn more on Reed Smith’s website

Who are they?

Access Law Clinic provides access to justice for those who cannot afford traditional legal fees. It also provides access to legal experience for those who cannot follow the traditional route to qualification as a solicitor.

SQE candidates can gain approved qualifying work experience (QWE) while working alongside practising solicitors and developing their practical legal knowledge.

What are the benefits?

Volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in and lead online client meetings. These meetings are overseen by a qualified solicitor who will provide support, feedback and guidance.

Volunteers will also have opportunity to develop their legal research, legal writing and drafting and advocacy skills. This is while working on different cases across a wide range of legal areas.

Because Access Law Clinic is online and does not provide in-person support, the cases can be dealt with in a more flexible way. This means volunteers can complete case work at home in the evening or at weekends when they are free. And gain the QWE hours they need without sacrificing work or family time. The clinic is therefore available as a potential QWE resource to anyone no matter their location.

Also, if an SQE student is having difficulty getting their QWE confirmed, or if an employer is unable to do so, then they could sign it off. This includes QWE not gained at Access Law Clinic.

What does it entail?

SQE students who wish to gain QWE through the law clinic need to first have a certain level of qualification. This includes:

• Successful completion of a Level 6 Legal qualification (eg Law degree, CILEX, CLC, NALP) or has already completed or is exempt from the SQE1.
• Successful completion of the Foundations to the Law Clinic Practice course which gives students the practical knowledge they will need to work with clients and handle cases. This course is provided by Law Training Centre.

What will it cost?

There is no cost to work at Access Law Clinic.

Who is it aimed at?

They aim to provide QWE to aspiring solicitors working towards qualification through the SQE.

What are they doing?

Advance@ Preptackle offers a range of live online SQE2 training sessions. Its:

• Study-in-Context series focuses on law and is tailored so that candidates can learn through a pragmatic and practical approach compatible with how they'll be examined.
• SQE2 Tips & Tricks series mainly focuses on skills, including strategies, structures, and techniques candidates can use to help them gain more confidence and perform better.

What are the benefits of these?

• Helps candidates simplify complex topics and cut through the noise. They also provide study notes and toolkits that balance simplification with comprehensiveness.
• A flipped-classroom approach that encourages active learning and knowledge retention.
• ​​Interactive so candidates can ask questions and join live quizzes that help get concepts across and keep them engaged.
• Flexible approach with no course commitment so candidates can opt for standalone sessions or choose a more comprehensive package.

How long will it take?

This will depend on the candidates' choices. Their program runs twice a year, leading up to the scheduled SQE2 exams in April and October. A full round usually takes about six weeks. However, they usually hold additional ad-hoc sessions, such as revision marathons and workshops closer to exam time.

What will it cost?

Candidates can choose to book standalone sessions or opt for a more comprehensive package. The cost of a single session ranges from £35 to £40.

There are other packages available including the Study-in-Context full package (including all 15 sessions, covering all subject areas). This normally costs £600, but has been made available at £475.

Who is it aimed at?

This SQE2 program is designed to accommodate law and non-law graduates, foreign-qualified lawyers and legal professionals working full-time.

Find out more on their website

What are they doing?

BARBRI offers prep courses to suit all types of law students and legal professionals. Their testing and learning technologies work alongside a personal Learning Coach programme.

What are the benefits of this?

BARBRI's SQE preparation courses provide students with a structured and supportive learning environment. The courses offered are flexible and adaptable, so students are equipped to succeed in the SQE1 and SQE2 exams.

How long will it take?

They offer several different course lengths, which lead into the SQE examinations. The course a candidate chooses will depends on their background and the time they’re able to commit to study each week.

SQE1 Prep

• 40-week – Part-time, best suited to students without an English or Welsh law degree.
• 20-week – Part-time, depending on availability or level of familiarity of the assessed subjects.
• 10-week – Only suitable for law graduates with the ability to study full-time.

SQE2 Prep

• A 12-week part time course. This course runs twice a year, leading into the scheduled exams in April and October.

What will it cost?

SQE1 prep courses cost £2,999 regardless of which course length chosen. The SQE2 prep course costs £3,499, however if someone studied for their SQE1 with BARBRI they will be eligible for an Alumni discount.

They also offer funding opportunities through scholarships and student loans. 

Who is it aimed at? 

The introduction of the SQE has opened new pathways to qualification in England and Wales making a career in law more accessible. BARBRI Prep courses are aimed at a wide range of students including law graduates, non-law graduates, foreign-qualified lawyers, and legal professionals.

Find out more on their website

What are they doing?

BPP offers a range of SQE courses that provide choice and flexibility, including online or in-centre, full-time or part-time. Individuals can opt for a standalone course for each assessment or choose a more comprehensive package, created for both non-law and law graduates, which gives better value. Courses will begin in February.

What are the benefits of this?

The courses are designed to accommodate the different needs of aspiring solicitors as they prepare for their SQE assessments. They build and test their knowledge using BPP Adapt, an AI-powered learning platform that helps students to track their progress as they prepare for their assessments. In addition, BPP’s approach develops knowledge and skills together, keeping students motivated and engaged in collaborative workshops. This also allows them to develop core legal skills as they experience and receive feedback on typical trainee tasks.

How long will it take?

Individual courses range from six weeks to four months, with combined SQE1 and SQE2 Preparation for law graduates taking six months. 

What will it cost?

Individual courses start from £2,500 and package prices begin from £7,250. Discounts apply when multiple courses are purchased. Postgraduate funding of up to £11,570 is also available when selected courses are bought together as part of a package.

Who is it aimed at?

BPP’s SQE training courses have been created for both law and non-law graduates looking to pass the assessments and develop key professional and legal skills.

In addition to SQE-focused courses, BPP’s Essentials for Practice course builds the additional specialist legal knowledge that employers are looking for while developing the core skills needed for practice.

Learn more on their website

What are they doing?

City, University of London are offering a Masters level programme with two exit points:

• two 10-week terms covering SQE1 and SQE2 respectively, leading to a Postgraduate Diploma
• an additional 5-week elective term, followed by the submission of a legal practice research project, leading to an LLM.

This is a ‘blended learning’ programme that is taught through on-campus tutorials supported by a range of online resources. The first intake will be in September 2023.

What are the benefits of this?

The programme is designed with advice from a range of solicitors’ firms and is tailored to equip students with the knowledge and skills that firms seek. It focuses not just on the SQE assessments but also on practice as a solicitor.

Students will have access to the facilities and support offered by a traditional university. They’ll also have tailored careers advice and opportunities to take part in activities (including pro bono activities) that will enhance their CVs and potentially increase their employability.

How long will it take?

It is a one-year full-time programme.

What will it cost?

The fee for the Postgraduate Diploma will be £11,500 and the fee for the LLM will be £16,500.

Who is it aimed at?

Students will need to have an undergraduate law degree (LLB or equivalent) or a non-law degree and a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).

Learn more

What are they doing?

The College of Legal Practice already offers an SQE1 prep course and their first SQE2 preparation course starts in January. They also have a LLM in Legal Practice beginning in February.

What are the benefits of this?

The College’s learning is highly flexible, supported by a weekly timetable in order to help students manage their work commitments around their study. The students get high levels of supervision which means their individual performance is closely monitored and discussed with them on a weekly basis, with additional support as needed.

How long will it take?

The SQE1 preparation course takes 13 weeks full-time or 20 weeks part-time. The SQE2 preparation course takes 10 weeks full-time or 20 weeks part-time. The LLM In Legal Practice, that includes SQE1 and SQE2 prep, can be completed in a year or flexibly if the student is working alongside their studies.

For non-law graduates, they offer a short full-time conversion course that takes 20 weeks, the College’s Graduate Foundation in Law programme. They recommend that this course is taken before their SQE1 preparation course.

What will it cost?

The SQE1 preparation courses cost £1,800, the SQE2 preparation courses cost £2,300. The LLM in Legal Practice costs £6,900 and is eligible for Master’s loan funding for students in England. The Graduate Foundation in Law Programme costs £3,250.

Who is it aimed at?

All courses are aimed at aspiring solicitors who are looking to pass the SQE and have been specifically designed with the assessments in mind. The College are finding that international students, and those already working in the legal sector, are benefitting from this flexible learning design and one-to-one supportive approach.

Learn more on their website

What are they doing?

They provide access to supervised work on criminal cases where students work under a solicitor to prepare and advise on criminal appeals. The students are able to obtain practical skills in taking instructions, considering evidence and organising information. All of the work is built around the statement of solicitor competence so students are accumulating the skills they need to qualify.

How long will it take?

The course is a subscription programme, meaning an aspiring solicitor can start and stop as they please.

What will it cost?

It costs £245 per month.

Who is it aimed at?

It is aimed at students who are nearing the end of their academic training and want to get ahead on their progress towards qualification. Freedom Law Clinic currently host students from across the world, including from the UAE and the United States.

Learn more on their website

What are they

Law Training Centre is an online law school offering SQE1 and SQE2 courses that allow learners to learn at a pace and place that works for them. Their courses are:

• Full preparatory course – all materials, unlimited tutor support and mock exam practice.
• Express course – a shorter course with tutor support and limited mock exam practice for those looking to refresh their knowledge or focus on particular areas of law.
• Just Mocks – for those that just want to practice their exam/assessment technique.

What are the benefits of this?

Their range of courses allow learners at all levels to access only the level of support they need and there are no fixed enrolment dates.

In addition, they also offer an Access to Law Scholarship which has been created to fund 50% of the course fees to support future legal professionals from all backgrounds.

How long will it take?

Law Training Centre’s courses can be taken at any time and are entirely self-paced so learners can control of their own learning.

Each course has an access period but, depending on their previous legal knowledge, candidates may complete courses faster than this. These are:

• SQE Full Preparation courses - 15 months
• SQE Express courses - 9 months
• Just Mocks courses - 3 months.

What will it cost?

SQE1 courses cost: £1,950 for Full Prep, £990 for Express, and £395 for Just Mocks.

SQE2 courses cost: £2,500 for Full Prep, £495 per practice area for Express, and £295 per practice area for Just Mocks.

There may be discounts for some courses and deals is someone buy both the SQE1 and SQE2 courses together.

Who is it aimed at?

Law Training Centre’s courses are aimed at aspiring solicitors looking to qualify using modern, flexible study methods at an affordable rate. Their programmes have varying levels of tutor support, learning materials and length of access so candidates can choose a what works for them.

What are they doing?

Professional preparatory workshops (PPW) covering both the SQE assessment format and practice assessments, including multiple choice questions (MCQs) which is the format of SQE1. PPW1 is divided into two parts - preparation for the assessment and MCQ practice.

Part A

1. The role of legal studies skills
2. Changes to professional legal education and training
3. Introduction to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)
4. The SQE assessments
5. Study techniques
6. Exam preparation

Part B

Legal Study Skills looks at examples of SQE1 MCQs with answers and explanations, followed by a questions and answers session dealing with individual and/or specific issues. The workshop is 2 hours long and will be led by an experienced academic/practitioner.

What are the benefits of this?

Flexible, online, interactive study that is specifically geared for students studying part time with domestic and work commitments. Candidates can also consult tutors on specific areas of study who are professionally trained in law and legal practice.

What will it cost?

PPW1 is free to attend. Further paid workshops will be available for booking from the end of January 2022 and cost £30 per attendee per workshop. These workshops continue to consider examples of SQE1 MCQs.

Learn more on their website

What are they doing?

London College of Business and Law (LCBL) offers dedicated classes that focus on preparing candidates for the SQE through two packages – one shorter and one longer. The shorter package is targeted at those with a law degree or related qualification and prepares candidates for the SQE by focusing on teaching techniques for answering single best answer multiple choice questions. The longer package teaches substantive law as well as the answering techniques.

Its approach focuses on ensuring that candidates know what to expect during the examinations and how to answer questions in less time.

What are the benefits of this?

Candidates can choose the package that is right for them depending on their qualifications, work commitments and previous experience. Classes are online, which means that candidates can participate from anywhere in the world. Their lecturers have experience both in the classroom and in practice, with a support team in place to offer addition help as needed.

They provide candidates with their own bespoke study support resources and narratives for practice questions, both of which helps to focus students on the distinct requirements of the SQE.

How long will it take?

Package 1 is for 10 weeks and package 2 lasts 20 weeks.

What will it cost?

Package 1 costs £1,170 and 2 is £2,340.00.

Who is it aimed at?

Package 1 is for candidates with a law degree or related qualification and 2 is for those with or without a law degree, but who are prepared to study independently.

Find out more on their website

What are they doing?

Neeta Halai, founder of New Heights Training, works with individuals and small groups (online or in person) preparing them for the SQE2 through performance coaching and masterclasses.

The training is practical and tailored working with a candidate’s knowledge, personality and natural style. It teaches them the principles, tips and tools to help them identify common mistakes and knowledge gaps, manage unforeseeable situations, nerves and their time.

 What are the benefits of this?

• Clarity and confidence: the goal is to move a candidate from uncertainty, lack of knowledge and skills to a place of comfort and certainty
• Knowledge and skills: rigorous testing with tailored constructive feedback and effective strategies that are relentlessly practical
• Experience and expertise: Neeta is a solicitor and author of ‘Skilfully Passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)’
• Maximise marks: learn ‘tipping point’ strategies that can make the difference between passing and failing.

How long will it take?

Candidates can do as little or as much as they want. Neeta will do a ‘needs analysis’ to work out what to focus on.

Flexibility means candidates can do hours or days whenever they want and can stagger the sessions (online) or do a full day (in person).

What will it cost?

The SQE book, ‘Skilfully Passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)’ is £49.99 through the Bloomsbury website or various online retailers.

Working directly with Neeta, there are a range of different packages to choose from. The details and pricing for all the SQE2 bespoke services are in the SQE brochure on the New Heights Training website.

Who is it aimed at?

• Individuals: Domestic and international students, foreign jurisdiction lawyers and aspiring solicitors (paralegals, legal executives etc)
• Employers: Law firms, businesses and in-house teams – that support employees
• Law schools and training providers: Universities and training providers have put the SQE book on their suggested reading lists. Neeta also offers masterclasses to bring the book to life and complement what they do.

Learn more

What are they doing?

Nottingham Trent University offers a suite of SQE courses, full time and distance learning, providing flexibility and blended learning opportunities for both law and non-law graduates.

There is also the option to take the Applied Legal Knowledge Pathway in the final year of the undergraduate law degree. This is designed to make sure that students will be fully prepared to sit the SQE1 examination.

What are the benefits of this?

SQE1 and SQE2 studies can be combined with an internationally recognised Master's qualification which is eligible for the UK postgraduate loan.

Alternatively, students can choose to focus on SQE 1 and SQE 2 preparation courses separately, at a time that suits them. The distance learning options enable students to earn as they learn. The Applied Legal Knowledge Pathway in the final year of the undergraduate law degree means that SQE 1 preparation is included in the undergraduate tuition fee.

There is a mix of online and face-to-face teaching in workshops encouraging interactive learning and peer collaboration.

E-learning opportunities are integrated within the programmes, through the use of dynamic student-centred technology. This includes a database of MCQs with analytics to test performance and understanding, as well as personalised feedback and guidance to develop learning.

There are opportunities for ‘hands on' experience to develop professional skills and gain work experience in Nottingham Trent University's accredited teaching law firm.

How long will it take?

The SQE 1 full time preparation course is 6 months or 12 months full time to gain a Master's qualification. The equivalent distance learning courses are 12 months and 18 months.

The combined Master's level SQE1 and SQE2 courses are 12 months full time or 24 months distance learning.

The SQE2 only courses are 8 weeks full time and 20 weeks distance learning

For non-law graduates, the combined law conversion and SQE1 course is 18 months full time and 36 months distance learning.

What will it cost?

The SQE1 standalone preparation courses cost £4,700 and £8,400 (Masters).

The combined Master's level SQE1 and SQE2 courses cost £11,200

The non-law graduates combined law conversion and SQE1 course costs £12,300.

Discounts are available.

Who is it aimed at?

Aspiring solicitors who want the opportunity to develop the essential legal skills needed to succeed in practice, at the same time as preparing for the centralised assessments.

Learn more

What are they doing?

OSCEsmart offers practice-based preparation for SQE2, with one-to-one mocks and personalised feedback. These are conducted by solicitors of England and Wales and interviewers, and cover all the SQE2 assessment elements. Each mock includes the tutor's individual feedback and analysis. In addition, livestream demos also allow aspiring solicitors to watch an unrehearsed real-life client interview conducted by a real candidate and the feedback from the tutors.

What are the benefits of this?

Individual mocks put candidates in touch with solicitors, who qualified through a similar assessment format and so have first-hand experience of this type of exam, as well as with experienced interviewers with academic background. Conducting mock sessions helps in:

• building up legal knowledge
• training legal skills
• understanding SQE2 exam methodology.

How long will it take?

SQE preparation from OSCEsmart is flexible and adjustable to individual needs. The scheduling is done through their e-learning platform where candidates book mocks for their preferred time, and select the practice area, topic and difficulty level for each exercise.

What will it cost?

The fees for individual mocks with personalised feedback range from £70 to £120 per session. There are discounts for bulk purchases when someone spends more than £999.

A package recommended for LPC graduates including 14 mock assessments and audiovisual lectures on SQE2 skills costs £1,777. Qualified lawyers can consider a £1,885 package tailored for their specific needs - with 15 mocks, concise notes on functioning legal knowledge, and lectures.

Who is it aimed at?

Both law and non-law candidates, as well as LPC graduates and qualified lawyers, will find mock sessions useful in mastering legal skills and building up their knowledge of law. The mocks can help any SQE candidates who need to gain a better understanding of what’s tested and wish to develop the required legal skills through systematic practice.

Learn more on their website

What are you doing?

QLTS School offers candidates flexible and comprehensive training for the SQE assessments. The courses are based on professionally written textbooks, videos, mock exams, extensive online resources and tutor support.

What are the benefits of this?

Candidates will have access to teaching materials designed specifically for the SQE exams and continually updated. They will have use of the latest learning technology and the full support of experienced tutors and administrative staff.

How long will it take?

QLTS School recommends that candidates prepare 9-12 months for both SQE1 and SQE2 exams. A typical timeline for the majority of candidates would be to start studies 5 to 6 months before SQE1, devoting approximately 15 to 20 hours per week. For SQE2, they advise studying for approximately 15 to 20 hours per week for 3 - 4 months. The courses are flexible so candidates can start at any time.

What will it cost?

QLTS school offers three course packages for SQE1 and SQE2 with a price range from £1,590 to £2,390. The prices vary according to the number of mock exams and level of tutor support.

Who is it aimed at?

Their SQE preparation courses have been designed for an online environment and are completely flexible in study and time requirements. The course materials are suitable for candidates from a wide range of different backgrounds and varying levels of legal knowledge and experience in English and Welsh law. They are tailor-made to candidates who work either full-time or part-time, in the UK or overseas.

Learn more on their website 

What are they doing?

They previously provided QLTS private tutoring and have now moved to the SQE. They offer bespoke training courses and personal coaching for qualified lawyers on a one-to-one basis but will include small group courses/workshops. They identify areas where clients need assistance and focus on helping them master that skill or knowledge. This includes Legal English language skills.

What are the benefits of this?

The training is made-to-measure and focused on individual learning, skills development and exam effectiveness, while acquiring knowledge of the essential principles. They use critical thinking and problem solving analysis tools to develop the knowledge, while building confidence and developing and refining skills.

How long will it take?

A full course for both parts of the SQE will take 12 - 24 months (depending on experience and the frequency of lessons). As most of their students are working practitioners, the tutor factors in their professional workloads and can offer lessons after hours and on weekends. Students from common law jurisdictions often have shorter timeframes.

What will it cost?

The students will be offered Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze group packages or individual one-to-one training with dedicated tutor guidance, feedback and coaching. They say this is effective in assisting candidates to develop their own style and practice skills under exam conditions. All training includes exam simulation exercises such as MCQs and SQE2 mocks including live interviews and advocacy.

Who is it aimed at?

Their focus is on qualified civil lawyers but other lawyers may also benefit from this training approach. The tutor is a qualified practising solicitor of England and Wales with 30 years’ experience. Together with the SQE training courses, legal English courses are also available for civil law lawyers who need assistance with their language skills.

Learn more on their website

What are they doing?

Southampton Solent University is partnering with the College of Legal Practice to offer their LLB Law students the Solicitors Legal Knowledge Programme offered by the College as a final year optional module. Students will undertake this module between April – June, meaning they are fully prepared for the first part of the SQE at the point of graduation.

What are the benefits of this?

By undertaking the optional module offered by the College, Solent students will be fully prepared for the July SQE1 assessment window. It is positioned shortly before the assessment to ensure currency of learning and is fully part of Solent’s LLB Law programme.

How long will it take?

The module takes 13 weeks between April – June.

What will it cost?

There is no additional fee for Solent LLB Law students for this preparation module.

Who is it aimed at?

All Solent LLB Law students will have the option of selecting this module in their final year.

Learn more

What are they doing?

The University of Law (ULaw) has a range of SQE courses, materials and tools to prepare both law and non-law graduates. Candidates can choose from:

• short revision courses
• SQE1 and SQE2 preparation courses
• an LLB with integrated Master’s,
• Master’s courses with SQE1 and SQE2 included.

What are the benefits of this?

ULaw’s SQE courses prepare candidates to pass the assessments and meet the requirements of legal recruiters who want their future trainees to have knowledge and skills beyond the SQE.

They develop in-depth legal knowledge and skills to pass the SQE assessments, with the help of ULaw’s SQE manuals and intelligent revision app. Candidates also get access to employability support, including four weeks’ guaranteed QWE for MA Law (SQE1) and LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) students.

How long will it take?

Course lengths vary between full-time and part-time. Their law conversion course, SQE Law Essentials Online takes up to 17 weeks, the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) takes up to 20 months and an MA Law (SQE1) takes up to 26 months when studying part-time.

LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) takes up to 20 months, or the individual SQE Preparation Courses take up to 27 weeks for SQE1 and up to 18 weeks for SQE2, when studying part-time.

ULaw also offers short intensive revision SQE1 and SQE2 Exam Preparation Courses before each SQE assessment.

What will it cost?

Course fees vary from up to £1,000 for SQE Exam Preparation Courses, up to £5,500 for SQE preparation courses and up to £16,950 for SQE Master’s courses. As well as flexible payment options and a scholarship fund, ULaw also offer discount and benefits.

Who is it aimed at?

ULaw’s SQE courses are designed for anyone who wants to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. Their courses are for law or non-law graduates who wish to study full-time or part-time, either on campus or online, and have a range of start dates throughout the year.

Learn more on their website

What are they doing?

UWE Bristol is offering full-time courses to prepare students (law or non-law) for SQE:

• Solicitors Training Course (SQE Prep) consists of two parts - SQE1 and SQE2 prep. Students can choose to take one (PG Certificate) or both (PG Diploma) parts of the course.
• Solicitors Training Course (SQE Prep) LLM will prepare students for SQE1 and SQE2 with a holistic approach. Students will also choose from a range of taught options and/or a dissertation.

What are the benefits of this?

The courses will focus on the SQE syllabus and exam technique, with face-to-face teaching in small groups with experienced and dedicated tutors, all of whom are former practitioners.

Students will receive detailed materials and access to online resources to support their learning, along with practice questions and role play exercises. They can also take advantage of the extensive support services including a 24/7 library, state of the art teaching facilities, extracurricular activities and welfare.

How long will it take?

The courses are full time commencing in September 2022 with online learning and from October, teaching will be face-to-face. The initial focus will be on SQE1 and then SQE2 from February to July.

LLM students will have additional teaching throughout the year for taught options and/or portfolio work. Students undertaking a dissertation can continue with this work after the main teaching period has been completed.

What will it cost?

• £4,250 for one Solicitors Training Course prep (either SQE1 or SQE2)
• £8,250 - Solicitors Training Course (SQE Prep) (Both SQE1 and SQE2)
• £10,250 - Solicitors Training Course (SQE Prep) LLM

Who is it aimed at?

The courses are aimed at both law and non-law graduates who wish to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. The courses are designed to prepare students for SQE and allow them to develop the legal skills and confidence to succeed in practice.