The SQE Four Years On: SRA Findings

Posted on20 February 2026

The SRA has released its Four Years On – Facts and Figures report, analysing performance and candidate data since the SQE’s introduction in 2021. The findings give us trends that we have seen in previous reports and can help you in choosing the right SQE pathways and support for your candidates. Alice Payne , Head of BD & Marketing at the College reviews the headlines and highlights considerations for L&D teams:

Headlines from the report:

First-time pass rates range from 46-60% for SQE1 and 69-84% for SQE2. The explanation given for the range is the difference within the quality of candidates in sittings
University ranking (12%) and degree classification (11%) are the strongest predictors of SQE1 performance. Something to consider when recruiting, but could limit your social mobility and diversity initiatives
Ethnicity accounts for 8% of SQE1 score variance, while socio-economic background and disability appear to have limited impact. Some good news in here, but highlights ongoing need to offer targeted, proactive initiatives for ethnic minority candidates. This could include mentoring, representation and ensuring that they receive high levels of scheduled supervision, exam information and support from both your training provider and your colleagues whilst studying
Candidates with neurodivergent conditions who received reasonable adjustments achieved slightly higher scores and pass rates. This is positive news and the RA process is being improved by the SRA to encourage early discussions. Consideration should be given however to the potential cost of their wellbeing throughout the process
Solicitor apprentices outperform the wider cohort, with average pass rates of 71% (SQE1) and 93% (SQE2), and they are more likely to come from less privileged socio-economic backgrounds. This insight reaffirms the sector's commitment to apprenticeship programmes, shared by the College. The investment from firms is being effective in supporting social mobility.
Qualified lawyers, non-native English speakers and LPC graduates have, on average, lower pass rates. Don't rush your LPC graduates or qualified lawyers through the shortest courses possible, they might need more time to learn their Functioning Legal Knowledge for SQE1, alongside their highly demanding client facing work.

For firms reviewing individual pathways for their future solicitors, the report offers clear insight into how to ensure you can give every candidate the best chance of SQE success.

Read the full report

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