Diversity and performance in SQE analysis

A new report published by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) titled ‘The SQE: Four Years On’ provides significant insights into the first four years of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The report consolidates data from over 19,000 successful SQE1 candidates and more than 10,000 who passed SQE2, highlighting a diverse participant pool wherein 35% identified as Asian, Asian British, Black or Black British, far exceeding the 14.5% representation in the overall working population. Furthermore, it indicates that 38% of SQE candidates come from less privileged backgrounds.

Julie Swan, the SRA’s Director of Education and Training, remarked, ‘The data contained in this report shows that the SQE is attracting a diverse range of candidates. The strong performance of solicitor apprentices is to be celebrated and is supporting social mobility.’ The analysis also revealed that previous education and academic achievement are key determinants of performance, influencing 22% of the variance seen at SQE1, while neurodivergent candidates performed slightly better than their peers. With solicitor apprentices achieving pass rates of 71% for SQE1 and 93% for SQE2, these promising results signal a shift towards greater inclusivity in the profession.

The report’s findings hold considerable implications and suggest that while education significantly affects performance, demographic factors like gender, age, and socio-economic status have limited influence. In fact, ethnicity accounts for 8% of SQE1 variance, but the majority of variance remains unexplained, hinting at other potential influences such as preparation methods. As the SQE evolves, the continuing emphasis on candidate background diversity and performance metrics will be vital in shaping the future of solicitors’ qualifications in the UK.

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