The College of Legal Practice – Planning ahead for Autumn 2026

Posted on18 March 2026

Email header and full strip original (5)-3

We know firms are planning their 2026/2027 intake. Our SQE1 preparation course start dates are confirmed, with full-time and flexible part-time options designed to fit your programmes. These courses provide structured, high-quality preparation that meets trainees’ learning needs and complements your schedule.

Upcoming SQE1 prep course start dates:

20-week part-time for January 2027's SQE1 assessment: 3 August 2026
40-week part-time for July 2027's SQE1 assessment: 7 September 2026
13-week full-time for January 2027's SQE1 assessment: 21 September 2026

We are seeing better outcomes for external future trainees studying from August to December for SQE1 compared to starting in late September. We recommend this route if possible for your external pathway.

Find out more

We have also launched our new 4‑year Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme, starting 28 September 2026. This programme is designed for legal professionals without a law degree who are under 22 years old at the start of the programme. This fully online programme begins with:

A six-month Development of Study and Legal Skills module
Progresses onto the Graduate Certificate in Law (Level 6 qualification)
Continues through 40-week SQE1 and SQE2 prep modules

The programme combines structured legal training with workplace experience, including personalised coaching and supervisor support, ensuring apprentices build the skills and confidence to succeed in the SQE while meeting their employers’ requirements.

Learn more about the programme

Burges Salmon has been an enthusiastic supporter of BLS for many years. BLS provides a valuable role in uniting and promoting the whole of the legal sector across Bristol to benefit both its members and the city. It facilitates collaboration across the sector to ensure that we can all make a difference. Whether that is driving important initiatives in, for example, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the use of new technologies, liaising with stakeholders and charities in our wider community or providing training to generations of lawyers, the service and support provided by BLS is invaluable. More recently BLS has taken a lead on promoting Bristol’s legal brand, encouraging legal and business services talent to come to the city, which in turn attracts clients and inward investment to our thriving and vibrant commercial community. BLS breaks down barriers and brings those in the profession together for the greater good. We are proud of our long-standing association with BLS.
Roger Bull - Managing Partner, Burges Salmon
Three things to say about my experience of working with Bristol Law Society. Their central team, council members and general hangers-on are just about the nicest, most generous group of people working in the legal sector today. The numerous events, awards, socials and conferences I’ve had the pleasure to attend over the years have been, without exception, top quality and supremely organised. And, thirdly, they consistently exceed and challenge the boundaries of what lawyers might assume a regional Law Society will restrict activities to – from a hugely successful charitable school meals drive to corporate social responsibility and diversity campaigns to being joint architects and coordinators of the region’s unique Bristol+BathLegalTech group, which it has been my privilege to co-chair for the last five years.
Chris Bull - Principal, Edge International
As one of the leading Insurance brokers for law firms in the UK and with a large presence in Bristol it seemed only natural for us to support the Bristol Law Society. Bristol Law Society is one of the oldest and most vibrant of the Law Societies in England and Wales. We are pleased to be working with them on important matters relating to law firms’ liability insurances and Risk Management. From Sole Practitioner to Top 20 law firms we are sure our two organisations can provide excellent support and assistance for the challenges faced by the legal profession.
Matthew Baker - Financial Lines Group, Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd
Joining BLS in 2013 and becoming President in 2018/19 has created many longstanding friendships and business relationships, whilst also unlocking doors to other opportunities in the City. BLS enabled a perfect balance of professional development and also opportunities to give back to the legal and wider community. I am pleased that my Firm has supported BLS in many capacities since 2013 and continues to do so.
Nicholas Lee- Managing Director of Paragon Costs Solutions and Past President of BLS