The SRA published a report a couple of weeks ago looking at solicitor apprentices’ demographics and performance in the SQE. This report offers valuable insights for Legal L&D teams and law firms.
As the apprenticeship route continues to be challenged with the new funding rules, understanding the profile and achievements of apprentice candidates will help us shape future talent strategies that continue to support social mobility.
Key Insights from the SRA’s report
- Significant Growth in Apprentice Numbers
As the total number of SQE candidates grew from 2021 to 2025, so did the number of apprentices. The number of apprentices attempting SQE1 grew from 28 in 2021 to 380 by January 2025. Apprentices represented 5.5% of SQE1 and 6.3% of SQE2 first-attempt candidates across the full period. - Predominance of Graduate Solicitor Apprentices
Most solicitor apprentices who have sat the SQE so far are graduate apprentices (945 graduate vs. 305 non-graduate). - Age and Demographics
61% of apprentice SQE1 candidates are aged 25 or older at the point of taking SQE1. This statistic highlights that most of the current apprentices would not have been under 21 at the point of starting their programmes. The new funding rules from January 2026 for Level 7 apprentices state that they must be 21 or under. This means that the majority of apprentices would not have been eligible for Levy funding. Apprentices are also more likely to be female and of white ethnicity compared to non-apprentices. - Diversity and Social Mobility
Apprenticeships are making a real impact on social mobility. 57% of apprentice SQE1 candidates come from the lowest three socio-economic rank groups, compared to 36% of non-apprentices. Among graduate apprentices, 55% are from these groups, rising to 62% for non-graduate apprentices. For firms, these programmes have been clear opportunities to broaden the diversity of their talent pipeline and support social mobility.
Performance Highlights
- Strong Assessment Outcomes
The really positive news from this report is the confirmation that apprentice candidates have outperformed the overall candidate pool in the SQE exams. They achieved on average a 68% pass rate in both FLK1 and FLK2 (compared to 64.6% and 60% averages for all candidates respectively). In SQE2, apprentices achieved an 87.8% pass rate, significantly higher than the 79.7% average for all candidates.
How about our apprentices?
At The College of Legal Practice, we work with over 20 organisations to support their apprentices. Our cohorts have a similar makeup, with the majority being the first in their family to go to university, and 1 in 5 having received free school meals whilst at secondary school. We have also seen strong performances in the SQE for our apprentices so far.
Implications for Legal L&D and Firms
- Widening Access and Inclusion
The data confirms that apprenticeships are a powerful tool for increasing access to the profession. Firms investing in apprenticeship programmes are not only supporting social mobility but also benefiting from a broader, more diverse talent pool. The continuation of solicitor apprenticeships for those who are 21 and under is positive and should continue to be championed by the sector. - Performance and Preparedness
The strong performance of apprentices in SQE assessments demonstrates the effectiveness of combining work-based learning with academic study in a measured and structured way. For L&D teams, this underlines the value of a two-year SQE prep programme, with ringfenced study every week, and scheduled support from supervisors or coaches.
What next?
The apprenticeship route has been proving to be a robust and effective pathway into the legal profession, delivering both diversity and high performance. So, it is important to maintain programmes where possible and continue to innovate. The College is looking at offering a shorter 4-year programme for school leavers for example.
For those candidates that are now ineligible for funded programmes, firms should consider the aspects of the apprentice programmes that make it a success and build those into their SQE preparation programmes.
What is the College offering?
The College is offering three different solicitor apprenticeship programmes in 2026, and tailored SQE preparation programmes with coaching options at very affordable prices. Please contact Peter Liver for a discussion or more details.