Why is the SRA Evaluating the SQE?
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is evaluating the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) to assess its performance in achieving its stated goals. Introduced in 2021, the SQE replaced the traditional pathway to qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales. The SRA aims to ensure the new system remains fair, effective, and accessible, while maintaining high professional standards.
What is the SQE?
The SQE is a standardised two-part examination designed to provide a consistent qualification route for aspiring solicitors. It was introduced to address perceived inequalities in the previous system, which relied heavily on disparate university-led courses. Key objectives of the SQE include:
• Ensuring fairness through uniform assessment standards.
• Reducing barriers for candidates from non-traditional backgrounds.
• Supporting diverse pathways into the profession, such as apprenticeships and part-time study.
Why the Evaluation is Necessary
The SRA’s review of the SQE serves multiple purposes:
1. Measuring Effectiveness
The SQE is intended to assess candidates’ readiness for practice through rigorous testing. The evaluation seeks to determine if the exams (SQE1 and SQE2) effectively measure legal knowledge, practical skills, and professional competence.
Questions under consideration include:
• Are the exams testing relevant, real-world legal skills?
• Is the pass rate aligned with the required standard of legal excellence?
2. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
One of the SQE’s core goals is to diversify the legal profession. By removing the reliance on expensive Legal Practice Course (LPC) fees, the SQE was expected to make qualification more affordable. However, early feedback suggests the cost of preparation and exams may still pose challenges for some candidates.
The evaluation will assess whether the SQE has successfully improved access for individuals from underrepresented groups, such as:
• Candidates from low-income backgrounds.
• Those pursuing alternative routes, such as apprenticeships or non-law degrees.
3. Evaluating Cost and Accessibility
While the SQE was intended to be more affordable than the previous LPC route, costs remain a concern. The SRA is scrutinising the total financial burden on candidates, which includes:
• Exam fees for SQE1 and SQE2.
• Preparatory courses, which many candidates feel are essential for success.
• Ancillary costs, such as travel, accommodation, and study materials.
4. Impact on Training Contracts and QWE
The SQE introduced the concept of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), allowing candidates to gain practical experience in more flexible settings than traditional training contracts. The evaluation will examine how QWE is functioning in practice and whether it provides meaningful preparation for legal practice.
What Might Change?
The SRA has stated that any findings from the evaluation could lead to adjustments in the SQE process. Potential areas of improvement include:
• Reducing Costs: Exploring options to make the exam and preparation more affordable.
• Improving Accessibility: Enhancing support for candidates from diverse backgrounds, such as scholarships or grants.
• Adjusting Assessment Content: Refining the exams to ensure they remain relevant to modern legal practice.
• Monitoring QWE: Standardising how QWE is supervised and documented.
Stakeholder Feedback
The SRA has actively sought input from law schools, training providers, law firms, and candidates. While many support the SQE’s objectives, common concerns include:
• Over-reliance on private preparatory courses, which could perpetuate inequality.
• The difficulty of balancing QWE with the demands of exam preparation.
• The potential for regional disparities in access to QWE opportunities.
Conclusion
The SRA’s evaluation of the SQE is a critical step in ensuring the examination meets its goals of fairness, accessibility, and excellence. By addressing concerns and making necessary adjustments, the SRA aims to solidify the SQE as a robust and inclusive pathway into the legal profession.
The outcome of this evaluation will shape the future of solicitor qualification in England and Wales, ensuring it continues to uphold the highest standards while opening doors for aspiring lawyers from all walks of life.
For updates on the evaluation process, visit the SRA website or contact your SQE training provider.
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