The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has published a new independent evaluation examining perceptions of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), based on feedback from more than 2,000 candidates and employers.

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In a recent update circulated by Surrey Law Society patron, the College of Legal Practice, the report’s key findings were highlighted as follows:

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Commenting on the findings, Giles Proctor, CEO of the College of Legal Practice, noted that while employers are increasingly pragmatic in working within the SQE framework, many students continue to experience uncertainty around the format and delivery of the assessments — particularly SQE1.

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The College’s commentary also emphasised that, for employers and education providers, the report underlines the need for clearer guidance, robust preparation and continued scrutiny of how the SQE operates in practice, in order to maintain confidence across the qualification pathway.

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Surrey Law Society comment

Separately, and based on feedback received from SLS members who have recently contributed to reviews of the SQE, Surrey Law Society notes that member experience does not always align with the increased confidence reported by employers at a national level. Many firms continue to raise practical concerns around exam structure, candidate experience, assessment conditions and overall accessibility, particularly for candidates balancing study alongside work.

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🔗 Read the full SRA report

Fiona Martin, Director and Head of Employment Law, said:
https://www.sra.org.uk/sra/research-publications/sqe-phase-three-evaluation/