The SQE was introduced with a bold vision: to provide a fairer, more accessible route to qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales. But nearly four years on, there are clear signs that socio-economic background continues to significantly affect outcomes, particularly at SQE1.
As we mark Social Mobility Awareness Day, it’s important to reflect on how the SQE is performing against its aim to widen access to the legal profession. For students from working-class backgrounds, those who attended state schools, or whose parents did not attend university, the data tells a consistent story: pass rates remain around 10% lower than their more privileged peers.
Key disparities in SQE1 outcomes
Data from the SRA’s 2024 SQE Annual Report shows that candidate background influences performance:
Parental education
Candidates with one or both university-educated parents had a 58% pass rate, compared to 46% for those whose parents did not attend university.
School background
Candidates from independent or fee-paying schools achieved a 63% pass rate, compared to 52% from state-funded schools.
Socio-economic class
Candidates from a professional or higher social class background outperformed those from intermediate, working or lower-income households, with a 10% pass rate gap across the board.
These gaps matter. They suggest that rather than levelling the playing field, the SQE may be reflecting and reinforcing long-standing inequalities in legal education and access to the profession.
Affordability remains a barrier
Another major concern is affordability. As the cost of the SQE assessments continues to rise, aspiring solicitors from lower-income backgrounds face increasing financial pressure. This is compounded by the need to self-fund preparation courses, something 70% of The College of Legal Practice students currently do.
For many, this makes pursuing a legal career feel financially out of reach. To ensure the SQE supports social mobility, it is essential that cost is not a barrier to entry or success.
How the College supports social mobility
At the College, we are committed to widening access to the legal profession and supporting students from all walks of life to succeed. We offer:
- Very low course fees for all students, not just through discounts
- Flexible payment options, including interest-free instalments
- A fully online model that allows students to study from anywhere, fitting learning around work and life commitments
- A Master’s programme where all the course fees and SQE exam fees can be covered by a postgraduate loan
- SQE Scholarships awarded directly and in partnership with Birmingham Law Society, Bristol Law Society and The Law Society of England and Wales
- Tailored academic and wellbeing support, including personal supervision, counselling, mental health-trained advisors, and adjustments for disabilities
We’re proud that:
- 44% of our students are from non-white backgrounds
- 43% are aged over 31
- 18% were eligible for free school meals
- 36% of our students were the first generation in their family to attend university
Looking ahead
Social mobility is not just a slogan. It's about creating real opportunities for people who may not see themselves reflected in the profession today. We know from our students that the legal sector can feel exclusive, almost like an environment.
But every day, we see students who challenge that narrative and succeed on their own terms. Their achievements are not only individual triumphs; they’re proof that a different model of legal education is not only possible, but necessary.
This Social Mobility Awareness Day, we’re proud to recognise the determination, resilience and talent of our students. They are balancing jobs, caring responsibilities and financial pressures, and still showing that the legal profession can be open to anyone, regardless of background.
Resources to support your journey
Whether you're looking for funding, mentoring, or work experience, these organisations are here to support aspiring solicitors.
The College's funding options & Scholarships
Explore flexible funding options including scholarships, access to postgraduate loans, and interest-free instalment plans to help remove barriers to SQE study
Aspiring Solicitors
Provides mentoring, events, and access to leading law firms for students from underrepresented groups, including those from low-income backgrounds, ethnic minorities, and first-generation university students.
Bridging the Bar
Promotes diversity at the Bar by providing mini-pupillages, mentoring and work experience to aspiring barristers from underrepresented backgrounds.
Grow Mentoring
A free mentoring platform that connects aspiring legal professionals with experienced mentors across the legal sector. Designed to support students and early-career professionals from all backgrounds, Grow helps build confidence, knowledge, and networks.
Inspire Law Global
A social enterprise focused on empowering underrepresented aspiring lawyers through mentoring, events, and global opportunities. Inspire Law connects students with legal professionals and helps build inclusive access to the legal industry.
Legal Social Mobility Fund
Offers financial support to talented students from low-income backgrounds pursuing legal careers, helping cover essential costs like course fees and travel.
NRG Lawyers
Supports non-Russell Group students and graduates through mentoring, coaching, events, and partnerships, helping to create lasting change and better access to legal careers.
Social Mobility Foundation
Offers mentoring, internships, and skills development to high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds, helping them access competitive professions like law.
If you are a firm looking for insight on supporting social mobile candidates, you might be interested in our webinar with Browne Jacobson, Rare Recruitment and Alice Kinder, an employment lawyer and Senior Associate at Bexley Beaumont, Past President of the Birmingham Law Society, Chair of its Social Mobility Subcommittee and a social mobility ambassador for the Law Society of England and Wales.