SQE Update - February 2025

In this bulletin, find out about the SQE functioning and legal knowledge annual review, the new SQE2 sample answers and latest policy updates. Plus, how to book your place at our virtual SQE Conference taking place in April.

Publishing data about the SQE

We are sorry that we have not yet been able to publish data linking how candidates have prepared for their SQE assessments with how they performed. We had expected to be able to publish some data in autumn 2024. However, we found some unexpected problems with the quality of the data. These problems arose from the options given to candidates when they were surveyed. We considered publishing the data, with appropriate caveats. But we decided this would not be useful for candidates nor support the development of a healthy market.   

We have addressed the problems with the survey and remain committed to publishing such data as soon as we can. We expect to have sufficient data once we have the results from the SQE1 sitting to be taken in July 2025. We will include updates in future bulletins.

We have published information for candidates deciding how to prepare and select a provider and on training providers and their courses.

SQE functioning and legal knowledge annual review

Kaplan's annual review of the functioning legal knowledge (the FLK) for SQE1 and SQE2 is now underway. It aims to:

• update the FLK to reflect changes in the law and practice and make any other essential changes.
• offer clarification in the light of feedback from stakeholders where necessary.

We expect this to be completed by the end of April with the changes coming into effect for assessments taken after September 2025. We will provide updates on any changes well in advance of then.

Find out now you can submit feedback or suggestions

April SQE2 booking reminder

If you're planning to take SQE2 in April and have passed SQE1 or are waiting for your results from the January SQE1, we have information on how to book your place. Take a look to see what steps you need to do and the deadlines.

Booking for SQE2 in April

New SQE2 sample answers

The SQE2 sample questions have been updated with the addition of three new ones which include a sample candidate performance in:

• advocacy for Dispute Resolution
• interviewing for Wills and Intestacy, Probate Administration and Practice (and associated attendance note/legal analysis)
• interviewing for Property Practice (and associated attendance note/legal analysis).

Find out more about the sample answers  

SQE policy updates 

We have recently updated three SQE policies, take a look at what has changed:

• Marking and Standard Setting Policy
• Fit to Sit Policy and Candidate Confidentiality Policy.

SQE1 results explanation video

Ahead of the SQE1 January results coming out on 11 March, candidates can watch a video to see how their results will be shown to them.

SQE1 results are not shown as a percentage, but as an overall mark out of 500 where the pass mark is always set at 300. Candidates also get a breakdown of their performance by practice area as well.

Watch our video to find out more

SQE exemptions finder and information

Qualified lawyers can use our online exemption finder to see whether a SQE2 exemption is available for their qualification. This tool is updated regularly and will give you specific information for your qualification and what you'll need to have before applying.

Take a look at the SQE exemptions finder

Annual monitoring report for the transitional routes

We've published an annual report as part our quality assurance activities of the Legal Practice Course (LPC) route. This covers the academic year 2022-32 and again highlighted the very different pass rates between LPC providers. This was one of the reasons for the introduction of a central assessment – the SQE – to be taken by all candidates.

Read the report

Get involved 

SQE Virtual Conference 2025 (YouTube)

When: 2 April, 09.30 - 15.00

Join us for our virtual SQE conference, aimed at education and training providers, aspiring solicitors and organisations offering qualifying work experience.

At this free event, you can hear:

• the headlines from the latest SQE annual reports from our assessment provider, Kaplan, and our SQE Independent Reviewer, which will be published in March
• insights on the assessments, including exam booking improvements, new sample questions and candidate case studies
• updated information on mitigating circumstances and answers to common questions from candidates
• the latest on qualifying work experience, including perspectives and experiences from employers and candidates.

Book now 

Qualifying work experience webinar – watch on-demand 

Aimed at law firms and organisations providing qualifying work experience, this on demand webinar gives you get the facts about:

• what counts as QWE
• what we expect of solicitors and law firms
• how QWE is recorded and confirmed.

Watch now

Tell us about your SQE or QWE experience

We want to share candidates', newly qualified solicitors' and employers'/QWE providers' experiences of the SQE and qualifying work experience. We are looking to feature these in case studies, on social media and in videos. If you are interested in sharing your story, please complete the form below.

Share your experiences