SRA publishes four-year SQE performance data and neurodiverse candidate analysis
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has published comprehensive data on Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) performance covering eight SQE1 and 12 SQE2 assessments between November 2021 and July 2025, encompassing over 30,000 candidates assessed in 50 countries. The analysis shows first-time pass rates ranging from 46% to 60% for SQE1 and 69% to 84% for SQE2, with overall pass rates of 66% and 85% respectively. A multivariate analysis by Kaplan, the SQE assessment provider, identifies university ranking and degree classification as the main performance factors, accounting for approximately 23% of variance in SQE1 scores. The SRA has also published a specific report on neurodiverse candidates, finding that those with reasonable adjustments for neurodivergent conditions achieved slightly higher scores and pass rates than other candidates, providing assurance they are not disadvantaged. The data reveals solicitor apprentices perform particularly well, with pass rates of 71% for SQE1 and 93% for SQE2, and are more likely to come from less privileged socio-economic backgrounds than the wider cohort.