In January 2026, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) released its landmark 'SQE four years on' report, offering the most comprehensive look yet at the Solicitors Qualifying Examination since its inception. The data, drawn from nearly four years of assessments, provides critical insights into pass rates, candidate demographics, and the factors influencing success. For universities and legal educators, this report is not just a collection of statistics; it is a roadmap for understanding the new landscape of solicitor qualification and adapting educational strategies to better support the next generation of lawyers.
This analysis from LexIQ unpacks the key findings from the SRA's report and explores their implications for the future of legal education in the UK.
A New Baseline for Pass Rates
The report confirms what many in the sector have observed: the SQE is a rigorous assessment. The pass rates for first-time candidates have settled into a discernible range, with SQE1 fluctuating between 46% and 60%, and SQE2 showing a higher success rate of 69% to 84% [1].
While the standard for each assessment is consistent, the pass rates vary between sittings, reflecting the differing performance of each candidate cohort. Overall, 66% of all candidates who have attempted SQE1 have now passed, and a more encouraging 85% have cleared the SQE2 hurdle [1]. This data underscores the challenge of SQE1's Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) assessments and highlights the importance of robust, targeted preparation programmes that go beyond rote memorisation.
| Assessment | First-Time Pass Rate Range | Overall Pass Rate (Including Resits) |
|---|---|---|
| SQE1 | 46% - 60% | 66% |
| SQE2 | 69% - 84% | 85% |
The Challenge of Resits
The data on candidates resitting assessments is particularly sobering. Only around 20% of those who resit SQE1 pass on their second attempt [1]. This stark figure suggests that candidates who fail the first time may require a fundamental shift in their preparation strategy, rather than simply repeating the same approach. For universities, this highlights a need to provide enhanced support and diagnostic feedback for students who do not succeed on their first attempt, a challenge that AI-driven platforms like LexIQ are well-positioned to address by offering personalised study plans and identifying knowledge gaps.
A More Diverse, but Unequal, Playing Field
A key objective of the SQE was to widen participation in the legal profession. The SRA's data indicates that, in some respects, this is being achieved. The SQE is attracting a more ethnically diverse cohort than the UK's working population, with 28% of candidates identifying as Asian or British-Asian and 7% as Black or Black-British [1].
However, the report also confirms the persistence of a significant attainment gap. The overall pass rate for White candidates remains higher than for candidates from other ethnic backgrounds. The SRA's multivariate analysis found that ethnicity accounts for 8% of the variance in SQE1 scores and 4% in SQE2 scores [1]. While these figures do not explain the entire gap, they confirm that systemic issues remain. The report suggests that factors beyond demographics, such as preparation methods and educational background, play a more significant role, accounting for the majority of the unexplained variance.
Encouragingly, the data shows that candidates who declare a disability perform as well as, or even slightly better than, their non-disabled peers, suggesting that the reasonable adjustments framework is functioning effectively. Furthermore, socio-economic background appears to have a negligible direct impact on performance when other factors are controlled for, indicating that the SQE may be a more level playing field in this regard than previous qualification routes.
The Rise of the Solicitor Apprentice
One of the most positive stories to emerge from the report is the success of solicitor apprentices. This 'earn-as-you-learn' route is proving to be a powerful engine for social mobility, attracting candidates from less privileged backgrounds.
Apprentices have consistently performed well, with overall pass rates of 71% for SQE1 and an impressive 93% for SQE2—outperforming the general cohort [1]. This success demonstrates the value of combining academic study with practical, on-the-job experience, providing a compelling model for the future of legal training.
Implications for Universities and Legal Educators
The 'SQE four years on' report is a call to action for higher education. The data reveals several key areas where universities must focus their attention:
- Rethinking Preparation: The relatively low and variable SQE1 pass rates, coupled with the poor outcomes for resitting candidates, signal that traditional academic law degrees and even the LPC are not sufficient preparation on their own. Universities must integrate more SQE-focused content and assessment methods into their curricula.
- Addressing the Attainment Gap: While the causes are complex, universities have a crucial role to play in ensuring all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to succeed. This requires a focus on inclusive teaching practices and tailored support.
- Embracing Technology: The sheer volume of knowledge required for SQE1 and the practical skills tested in SQE2 demand innovative educational tools. AI-powered platforms can provide the personalised, data-driven preparation that modern law students need to navigate the complexities of the SQE.
The SRA's report, combined with Kaplan's ongoing release of more sample questions, provides the clarity the sector has been waiting for. The financial data also paints a clear picture: with income from candidates projected to rise to £66 million [2], the SQE is a permanent and central feature of the legal landscape.
The challenge now is to use this data not just to understand the present, but to shape a more effective, equitable, and accessible future for solicitor qualification. For universities, this means embracing change, fostering innovation, and partnering with organisations that can provide the cutting-edge tools and insights needed to prepare students for success in the SQE era.
References
[1] Solicitors Regulation Authority. (2026, January 29). The SQE four years on – facts and figures. https://www.sra.org.uk/sra/research-publications/sqe-four-years-facts-figures/ [2] Legal Cheek. (2024, May 30). SRA eyes £66 million SQE income next year. https://www.legalcheek.com/2024/05/sra-eyes-66-million-sqe-income-next-year/