Understanding the SQE1 January 2025 Results

Overview

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the assessment for all aspiring solicitors in England and Wales. It is designed to assure consistent, high standards for all qualifying solicitors. The SQE replaced the LPC in 2021 as the main route to becoming a solicitor for aspiring lawyers and has been promoted as a more accessible alternative to the LPC. This is mainly due to flexibility and lower costs.

The SQE1 and SQE2 are the two parts of the assessment, with the completion of Qualifying Work Experience also required in order to be admitted as a solicitor. The SQE1 tests functioning legal knowledge (FLK) and the exam consists of two parts: FLK1 and FLK2. The SQE2 tests practical legal skills and involves a combination of written/oral based tasks, which is taken over five days.

Overall Pass Rate Trends

Every year, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) releases a report detailing feedback on the assessment performance for the most recent cohort. Overall, for January 2025 56% of candidates passed the SQE1.

First-Time vs. Resit Candidates

60% of candidates taking the SQE passed first time. This means that 5908 out of the 6718 candidates (approximately 88%) who sat the SQE1 and passed, took it for the first time. The number of resit candidates was 810, which is approximately 12% of all candidates.

Performance Across FLK1 and FLK2

The passing score for both the FLK1 and FLK2 is 300 and out of 500 marks. Out of all the candidates, 64% passed the FLK1 and 61% passed the FLK2. 

Some more statistics:

• The highest score achieved for the FLK1 was 459, whilst the lowest was 98.
• The average score achieved for the FLK1 was 312.5.
• The highest score achieved for the FLK2 was 469, whilst the lowest was 84.
• The average score achieved for the FLK1 was 309.3.

The SRA report also provides insight into candidates’ performance for each practice area for the FLK1 and FLK2. The data is separated into quintiles, which is calculated by dividing candidates into five equal groups based on their performance. The top quintile received a score in the top 20% for the assessment, whereas the 5th quintile received a score in the final 81-100%.

In summary:

• FLK1 and FLK2: In Ethics, candidates in the fifth quintile achieved a score approximately between 0 and 275. This means for both assessments, Ethics had the lowest possible score (zero). However, candidates in the top quintile achieved approximately between 385 and 500. This means, candidates in the top quintile (in Ethics) achieved the highest minimum score compared to the other practice areas.
• FLK1: In Contract Law, Tort, Legal System, Legal Services and Ethics, candidates in the top quintile achieved the highest possible score of 500.
• FLK1: In Business Law and Practice, candidates in the 5th quintile also achieved the lowest possible score of zero.
• FLK2: In all practice areas, candidates in the top quintile achieved the highest possible score of 500.
• FLK2: in Trust Law, candidates in the 5th quintile also achieved the lowest possible score of zero.

Demographic Insights

The SRA also collects diversity and socio-economic data to help understand how candidates with different characteristics and background perform in the assessments. The data categories are consistent with data collected by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the Social Mobility Commission.

Pass Rates by Educational Background

In summary, the pass rates for the following groups were:

• Attended state-run/state-funded/non-selective schools between the ages 11-16- 58% 
• Attended state-run/state-funded/non-selective schools that were selected on academic, faith or grounds  between the ages 11-16 – 62%
• Attended school outside of the UK – 55%
• Attended an independent or fee-paying school – 70%
• Have at least one undergraduate degree – 60%
• Had qualifications below degree level – 48%
• Achieved a 1st class undergraduate degree classification – 80%
• Achieved a upper second class undergraduate degree classification – 58%
• Achieved a lower second class undergraduate degree classification – 21%
• Achieved a third class undergraduate degree classification – 15%

Diversity and Inclusion Metrics

In summary, the pass rates for the following groups were:

• Asian/Asian British – 49%
• Black/Black british – 37% 
• Mixed or from multiple ethnic groups – 63%
• White – 70%
• Other ethnic groups – 44%
• Consider themselves to have a disability according to the definition in the Equality Act 2010 – 60%
• Female – 57%
• Male – 64%
• 16 to 34 years of age – approximately 49%
• 35 to 54 years of age – approximately 45%
• 55 to 64 years of age – 33%
• English speakers – 62%
• Non-English speakers (other) – 53%

The University of Law’s SQE1 Performance

The University of Law offers competitive degrees/courses for students who want to develop their law career and improve their prospects. For example, the university offers an LLM Legal Practise course (SQE1 & SQE2) course for graduates who want to qualify as a solicitor using the new SQE route to practice, and also gain a Master’s award. It also offers preparation courses for both assessments.

For January 2025’s SQE1 assessment, 75% of its students passed the first time, compared to the industry average first attempt rate of 60%.* For October 2024’s SQE2 assessment, 89% of its students passed compared to the industry average pass rate of 81%*

*All eligible cohorts contacted, results based on over 2,000 responses.

Find out more on how The University of Law can support your SQE journey here.

Implications for Future Candidates

Choosing the Right Preparation Course

In order to be fully prepared for the SQE and increase chances of succeeding, candidates may wish to enrol in a preparation (prep) course. The SRA has created a providers list of institutions that provide SQE education, tutoring or training services or produce SQE-related study materials and resources.

There is no standard course offered by institutions and can vary based on the type of prep courses offered. For example, some institutions offer separate courses to prepare candidates for the SQE1 and SQE2, whilst other institutions offer a combined course. Some course providers choose to teach their courses through interactive online materials, whilst other institutions offer 1-1 or small group tutoring.

(SQE prep courses are not mandatory for completing the SQE. Each candidate should determine if this is something they need based on their needs, own research, etc).

There are several factors that candidates must consider when choosing the most suitable prep course. This includes:

• SQE funding and course fees
• Course location and online options
• Time commitment requirements
• Enrolment process (complexity, flexibility policies, etc)
• Learning support (access to tutors, etc)
• Course structure and delivery (learning platform, course duration, feedback, etc)

Read these factors in detail here and here.

Strategies for Success

Success tips for the SQE are similar to previous exams candidates may have taken. However, there are a few considerations that may be unique to taking the SQE, such as balancing studying with work, childcare and other major commitments.

Here are 10 SQE success tips that candidates can start implementing:

1. Start early and created a structured study plan
2. Figure out your learning style and leverage this in your preparations/training
3. Master the SQE format and question style
4. Use active recall techniques
5. Practise under exam conditions regularly
6. Develop an exam day strategy
7. Create a healthy balance between work, studies and resting
8. Identify weak points and revisit your underperforming topics
9. Engage in group study sessions
10. Leverage past papers and mock exams

To read more about these strategies, check out the following articles:

• 7 Expert SQE Tips That Helped Students Pass First Time
• How to build the skills and confidence for SQE success
• Strategies for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)