SQE Update – February 2026

This month's SQE Update brings new insights reports, refreshed candidate resources and key assessment information.

SQE report highlights diversity and assesses factors affecting performance

We have published a new report providing data and insights from the first four years of the SQE. This brings together candidate data and recent performance analyses by Kaplan, the SQE assessment provider.

Key findings include:

• over 19,000 candidates have passed SQE1 to date, and more than 10,000 SQE2
• the SQE is attracting a diverse range of candidates. 35% identified as Asian, Asian British, Black or Black British (compared to 14.5% in the working population)
• 38% of SQE candidates were from less privileged backgrounds
• of the factors for which data is recorded, previous education and past academic achievement have the most impact on performance, accounting for 22% of the variance at SQE1
• solicitor apprentices have generally performed well, with around 71% of those who have taken SQE1 and 93% of those who have taken SQE2 having passed, compared to overall pass rates of 66% and 85%.

Read more

New report explores neurodivergent candidates' performance

Kaplan has published new findings on the performance of neurodivergent candidates who received reasonable adjustments in the SQE. Covering SQE1 and SQE2 sittings between September 2024 and July 2025, the report shows that more than 1,500 candidates received adjustments. Their scores and pass rates were consistently slightly higher than those across the wider candidate cohort.

Read the full report

Try the new SQE training and course finder

Our new SQE training and course finder can help aspiring solicitors navigate the training landscape through clear, comparable information. Users can filter by study mode, duration and price, and compare providers side‑by‑side. More than 150 providers and 250+ different training options are included.

Take a look at the SQE training and course finder

2026 SQE assessment dates reminder

Booking windows and assessment dates for 2026 are available on the SQE website. SQE1 will take place again in July, while SQE2 sittings will run in April, July and October.

Find out more about assessment timings

New SQE assessment preparation information

A new assessment preparation page is now available to help SQE candidates access key information more easily. This provides quick answers to common questions and links to resources, including sample questions, assessment specifications, candidate case studies and videos. Content is organised into SQE1, SQE2 and general information sections so candidates can focus on what's most relevant.

Take a look

What to expect if an SQE assessment is disrupted

New guidance explains what candidates can expect if an assessment delivery issue prevents an exam from starting or being completed. While most assessments run smoothly, disruptions we recognise that issues can sometimes occur. The guidance sets out Kaplan's approach and includes FAQs to help candidates understand the steps taken to manage and resolve any issues.

Find out more about assessment delivery disruptions

Help us review the Statement of Solicitor Competence

We are reviewing the Statement of Solicitor Competence and the SQE Functioning Legal Knowledge to make sure they remain current. As part of this work, we will hold online focus groups in March 2026 and are seeking volunteers from these groups:

• practising solicitors in England and Wales
• legal academics teaching or researching relevant law
• SQE training providers
• others with relevant legal experience.

We need volunteers with expertise in Legal Systems, Constitutional and Administrative Law, EU Law, and Wills and the Administration of Estates for a session on Wednesday 4 March (9.00-13.00). We also need experts in Legal Services (including AML and Solicitors Accounts) and Tort Law for a session on Thursday 12 March (13.00-15.00). These small sessions will help shape the future content of the solicitor qualification.  

To register, please email us by 20 February 2026.

Become an SQE1 Angoff panelist

Kaplan is expanding its pool of SQE1 Angoff panelists and is looking for looking for junior or newly qualified solicitors (up to three years' post qualified experience) to participate in panels. The process of giving an Angoff score to an SQE1 question is the start of the process of ascertaining the pass mark for an individual exam. Panel members will consider how many newly qualified solicitors would answer each question presented correctly. Full training is provided and no advance preparation is required.

Find out more

SQE webinars available on-demand

We have a wide range of SQE‑related webinars available on our YouTube channel, offering candidates and employers practical advice and information. The sessions cover key topics such as preparing for SQE assessments, qualifying work experience and scaled scoring.

Watch SQE webinars on-demand