SQE Update – October 2021

In this bulletin find out about the first SQE1 assessment booking numbers and applying for reasonable adjustments. You can also learn how to get involved in our upcoming events and future SQE candidate numbers survey.

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More than 1,000 people to sit the first SQE1

Bookings for the first SQE1 assessment closed last week with 1,155 candidates booked to take SQE1 in November 2021. Most bookings – 74% – are from candidates taking the assessment in the UK. All other candidates will be taking their SQE1 exam overseas, in 47 other countries. One in twelve candidates requested reasonable adjustments.

Read more

Future SQE candidate numbers training provider survey

Stakeholders have already given us some feedback about SQE assessment timings and potential candidate numbers. Now that SQE training providers are more advanced in their course development and recruitment, it would help us to have an update on their views about potential candidate numbers for future SQE sittings. 

Take our survey and tell us what you think by 12 November

SQE and remote assessment

We have previously written about some of the challenges with remote assessments, including the risks, particularly around protecting the security and integrity of the assessment. We have looked closely at methods of delivering remote assessments and whether we should adopt these for the SQE. We have concluded that we will keep the possibility of developing remote assessments as an option for the SQE and will review our position in 18 months. Until then we will deliver the SQE as planned.

We will have contingency measures in place to deliver the assessments remotely if future restrictions prevent any form of face-to-face examination or prohibit groups of candidates being assessed together in assessment centres. You can see where they are on the SQE assessment website.

Find out more about the SQE assessment locations

Applying for an SQE assessment reasonable adjustment

Even though bookings have now closed for the first SQE1 sitting, people can still register to take future exams. In particular, we encourage anyone who may need a reasonable adjustment to apply as early as possible. Agreeing a reasonable adjustment early means that candidates can let their university or training provider know about any agreed adjustments. This could, for instance, help when doing mock assessments.

Last month we published updated information on reasonable adjustments on the SQE assessment website, including guidance on what evidence someone needs and how to apply.

Read more about reasonable adjustments

#SQEready – what universities and training providers are doing

In previous bulletins, we’ve showcased how law firms and other employers are getting ready for the SQE. Now we’re also interested in hearing from universities and training providers.

Get in touch and tell us what you are doing and the courses you’re offering.

Read our previous case studies

Get involved

Face-to-face events

SQE – networking events for employers and training providers (various locations, October and November)

Since the start of the pandemic, we have run more than 20 interactive virtual events on the SQE, but we have missed being able to meet you face-to-face. People have also told us that they value the opportunity to network, so we will be running face-to-face networking events in Cardiff, Leeds and London.

Free to attend, they are open to anyone involved in training future solicitors, whether an employer, training provider or law clinic. The events will offer an opportunity to:

• get a reminder of where we are with the SQE
• learn how training providers and employers have responded to the SQE
• network with employers, education and training providers
• talk to the SQE team from the SRA and Kaplan

Choose the best location for you below to book a place.

Cardiff - 21 October

Leeds - 2 November

London - 4 November

On demand webinar

SQE - supporting candidates to take the SQE assessment

Find out how we (SRA and Kaplan) are making sure no-one is disadvantaged because of a disability - or other physical or mental health condition - in demonstrating their competence.

Targeted at SQE candidates and education or training providers, this free on demand webinar offers the latest information about reasonable adjustments for the SQE, including:

• What reasonable adjustments could be available to candidates
• How to apply and what evidence is needed
• Benefits of applying for a reasonable adjustment early
• Insight we have gained from feedback and applications so far

Watch it now