Education and training


SQE Independent Reviewer Annual Report 2021-22

Read the SQE Independent Reviewer Annual Report 2021-22 by Geoff Coombe, SQE Independent Reviewer

Education and training authorisation and monitoring activity September 2020 - August 2021

This SRA annual report details the quality assurance activity in relation to education and training of solicitors. It covers the period 1 September 2020 to 31 August 2021 .

Review of first sitting of SQE2

The SQE2 written and oral exams were held for the first time in April 2022.

Review of first sitting of SQE1

The first sitting of the first part of a single, nationally recognised solicitor qualifying exam, for candidates wishing to practice in England and Wales was held in November 2021.

An evaluation framework for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination

The SRA has planned a programme of evaluation to understand whether this major reform achieves the stated objectives, and if there are any wider impacts or consequences. The

SQE2 Business Readiness Review Report

This report is primarily concerned with business readiness for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination Part 2 (SQE2) exams, with the first session planned for April 2022.

Education and training authorisation and monitoring activity September 2019 – August 2020

We have a statutory responsibility for the education and training of solicitors, as set out in the Solicitors Act 1974 and the Legal Services Act 2007.

Education and Training - Corporate reporting

We set the education and training standards for solicitors to make sure the people we allow into the profession are competent.

SQE Business readiness review report (Geoff Coombe)

The latest business readiness report from the SQE’s independent reviewer, Geoff Coombe. We are pleased that the review shows that we are on-track for introduction of the SQE in September, with preparations fit for purpose. We welcome the recommendations of the report and are taking action to make sure they are implemented.

Update on progress (April 2017 – July 2020)

In line with the Bridge Group's recommendations, we have taken time to carefully develop and test the SQE. We issued a third consultation on the regulations that will implement the new approach. And we made further changes as a result of that consultation.