SRA SQE Pass Rate
Analysis 2022 - 2024
Prospective candidates can find comprehensive information about the SRA SQE pass rate for 2022, 2023 and January 2024 for the SQE.
SQE1 Pass Rate Analysis: 2023 and January 2024
Introduction to SQE1 Results
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has released SQE statistical reports for the SQE1 exams taking place in 2023 and January 2024. This overview will discuss key statistics, highlighting the concerning trend of an attainment gap, a pattern observed in previous reports.
SQE1 Exam: A Closer Look at the Results
Understanding the SQE1 Pass Rate
Before we examine the data, let’s first explain the scoring criteria. The SQE 1 pass rate is expressed as a percentage, and the table below shows the passing scores for both the FLK1 and FLK2 exams.
Spotlight on Low Pass Rates
SQE1 has garnered attention primarily due to its overall low pass rates, particularly among various minority groups. While the industry’s concerns are understandable, it’s important to note that these rates are not significantly different from those seen in the Legal Practice Course (LPC). However, the persistent attainment gap among minority groups remains a significant issue.
Recent Trends and Statistical Observations
The pass rates for the January 2023 and July 2023 SQE1 assessments were 51% and 53% respectively. The January 2024 statistical report from the SRA shows a marginal increase in pass rates compared to the 2023 exams. The overall pass rate for the January 2024 SQE1 assessment was 56%, and for first-time sitters it was 59%. Notably, this increase is not due to a smaller pool of candidates; in fact, there was an over 80% rise in the number of candidates in January 2024 compared to the average number of candidates sitting SQE1 in 2023.
The pass mark for the January and July 2023 exams ranged between 52% and 57%. These pass marks were in line with the SRA’s policy of setting pass marks based on the specific exam, using the Modified Angoff Method along with statistical equating and the Standard Error of Measurement.
The Modified Angoff technique employs a group of experienced solicitors, all well-versed in the competencies expected on the first day of practice. They evaluate each exam question to estimate the number of minimally competent solicitors (out of ten) who would answer correctly.
The pass mark for the January 2024 SQE1 was set at 300 out of a possible 500 marks. Each FLK assessment for SQE1 has 180 questions. Each question answered correctly receives one mark, and the total number of marks results in a “raw score”. The raw score is then scaled out of 500 to allow for direct comparison of relative performance across multiple papers. Going forward, the pass mark will remain consistent at 300. The pass marks provided by the SRA are no longer expressed as percentages, however the scaled score of 300 required to pass each FLK assessment suggests the pass mark is in the region of 60%.
This raises an intriguing question: how did a greater number of candidates pass a tougher exam? Now, with five iterations of the SQE1 behind us, it’s plausible that the candidates, along with training providers and, where relevant, employers, are becoming more accustomed to the multiple-choice question (MCQ) format, a method previously unfamiliar in this legal system.
Demographic Data and Diversity Considerations
- An individual’s socio-economic background which affects their early education options and experiences.
- Experience of discrimination and bias and teachers’ expectations of a student’s capabilities.
- The level of educational and professional support available and how much a student feels they “fit in” or belong in the legal world.
- Personal perceptions about their potential success in the profession, influenced by social and ethnic barriers.
- Access to Legal Work Experience.
These findings seem to indicate a systemic issue, as evidenced by the disparity in degree attainment rates (79% of white students achieve a 2:1 or first-class degree, compared to 60% of black students, for instance). This highlights a shared responsibility among educators and employers to enhance their frameworks and create better opportunities for individuals from less privileged socio-economic backgrounds and minority communities.
SQE2 Exam: Trends and Analysis
SQE2 Pass Rate and Results
The SQE2 pass rate for the reporting period of September 2021 to August 2022 was 77%. The SQE2 pass rate for the reporting period of September 2022 to August 2023 was 75%. The October 2023 pass rate was 64% and the January 2024 pass rate was 73%.
The October 2023 pass rate was significantly lower than the average of all other SQE2 assessment sittings. There is no clear reason why this is the case.
There were 726 candidates sitting the SQE2 in the 2021-2022 reporting window compared to 1617 candidates sitting the SQE2 in the 2022-2023 reporting window. This is a notable 123% expansion in the pool of candidates. Data for the full 2023-2024 reporting window has yet to be published.
Factors Influencing SQE2 Results
The pass rate for SQE2 is markedly higher than for SQE1, which was expected by the SRA. This is likely due to the requirement to have qualification level functioning legal knowledge to sit the SQE2 assessment.
Candidates with practical legal experience and the required 2 years’ qualifying work experience find the SQE2 more aligned with their skills. Additionally, those who have successfully passed SQE1 have the relevant knowledge fresh in their minds, which forms a significant part of the SQE2 legal knowledge assessment criteria.
Demographic Data and Inclusion Efforts
Reportedly, the pass rates for Black/Black British candidates in the SQE2 mirror those in the SQE1, remaining significantly below the national average, whereas the pass rates for Asian/Asian British candidates are only slightly lower the national average.
Candidates with disabilities, as defined by the Equality Act 2021, saw an average pass rate of 83% across the reporting windows for SQE2. This indicates that the SRA’s efforts to implement reasonable adjustments are proving effective in promoting success and diversity in the exams.
Summary and Forward Outlook
While the data shows some positive trends, there is still significant work to be done in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), especially for Asian/Asian British and Black/Black British candidates. It is important to recognise that the disparity cannot be solely attributed to the exam format and that a variety of factors need to be considered for a comprehensive understanding and subsequent action.
To learn more about how scores for the SQE1 (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) are calculated read the SQE Pass Rate: SRA Update article.
SQE Exam Dates
Book SQE Exam
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SQE Notes and SQE Practice Questions
To purchase SQE notes and SQE practice questions for SQE1 and SQE2:
Disclaimer:
Please note that the information provided herein is subject to change at any time without prior notice. Changes may occur due to modifications in policies, regulations, or other factors that impact the SQE assessments and related processes. We recommend regularly checking the official Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) website and SRA SQE Updates for the most up-to-date information. We are not responsible for any discrepancies between the information contained herein and the latest updates provided by the SRA or other official sources.
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