The SRA released their report for the SQE1 sitting in January 2025 earlier this month, providing a detailed overview of candidate performance. The good news is that the pass rate has improved since July’s sitting, with an overall pass rate of 56% for all candidates, First-time test-takers also achieved a slightly higher pass rate of 60%. This report offers important insights into the outcomes of the January 2025 SQE1 assessments.
The SQE1 is composed of two Functioning Legal Knowledge exams (FLK1 and FLK2). These assessments are designed to test aspiring solicitors' knowledge across various practice areas. To successfully pass SQE1, candidates must achieve a passing score in both FLK1 and FLK2. This article highlights key data from the SRA's latest statistical report.
Pass rates summary
In the January 2025 SQE1 sitting, 7071 candidates sat FLK1, and 7287 sat FLK2. Overall, 6782 candidates sat both parts of the SQE1 assessment. The overall pass rate for all candidates was 56%, with those taking the assessment for the first time showing a slightly higher pass rate of 60%. When looking at the individual exams, FLK1 had a pass rate of 64%, and FLK2 had a pass rate of 61% for all candidates. For first-time sitters, the pass rate was 66% for FLK1 and 64% for FLK2.
Summary
This report offers important insights into candidate performance and highlights the ongoing need to address systemic inequalities within the legal profession.
Persistent disparities in pass rates among different ethnic groups remain a serious concern. Whilst the SRA are committed to tackling this, we have yet to see actions related to specific supporting these groups. As a community committed to supporting aspiring solicitors, we must continue to acknowledge these challenges and work proactively towards building a more inclusive and supportive environment.
The report also demonstrates the influence of socio-economic and educational background on candidate outcomes. As a College dedicated to widening access to the legal profession, we understand the importance of providing tailored support to students from all walks of life, helping them navigate and overcome potential obstacles.
Pass rates: diversity & demographics
The report provides important insights into how different demographic groups performed, and it's vital that we pay close attention to these trends.
Ethnicity
The data reveals continued disparities in pass rates among ethnic groups. White candidates had the highest pass rate for SQE1 at 70%. In contrast, the pass rate was 49% for Asian/Asian British candidates and 37% for Black/Black British candidates. 6% of candidates preferred not to say, with a pass rate of 61%, and 63% of candidates from mixed/multiple ethnic groups passed.
Sex
The report showed that 63% of candidates were female, 2% of candidates preferred not to say, and they had a pass rate of 73%.
Disability
9% of candidates identified as having a disability. It's positive to note that the pass rate for this group was 60%, which is broadly in line with the overall pass rate whilst 6% of candidates preferred not to say, and they had a pass rate of 69%.
Age
The 16 to 24-year-old age range had the highest pass rate at 62%, closely followed by 25 to 34 year olds with a pass rate of 61% while the 35 to 44 year old group had a pass rate of 47%. Pass rates tended to decrease with age.
University education
The report also sheds light on how academic achievement continues to correlate strongly with performance:
- 95% of candidates held an undergraduate degree or higher, highlighting the importance of prior academic qualifications.
- Degree classification had a clear impact:
- 1st class degree (26% of candidates): 80% pass rate
- 2:1 (49% of candidates): 58% pass rate
- 2:2 (8% of candidates): 21% pass rate
Socio-economic background
Socio-economic indicators such as parental education and school type also revealed disparities in candidate outcomes:
- Candidates with at least one parent who attended university (57%) tended to achieve higher pass rates (64%) compared to those where neither parent attended university (53% pass rate)
- School background also influenced results. Candidates who attended state-run or funded schools had a pass rate of 58%, while those who attended independent or fee-paying schools had a pass rate of 70%. Encouragingly, 72% of those from independent or fee-paying schools who received a bursary of 90% or more passed
Legal experience
The report provides interesting data on the influence of legal experience:
- 35% of candidates had undertaken Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). Interestingly, the pass rate for those with QWE was 56%, while those without QWE had a pass rate of 62%. This suggests that QWE, while valuable, does not necessarily translate directly into higher SQE1 scores, given the focus on legal knowledge rather than skills.
- 22% of candidates were qualified lawyers. The pass rate for qualified lawyers was 52%, and for non-qualified lawyers, it was 62%.
The SQE aims to uphold a consistent standard for qualification. To ensure this standard is applied fairly, it is vital that pass rate data continues to be scrutinised to identify and remove unintended barriers faced by particular groups.
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