SQE Update – April 2026
This month's SQE Update brings the latest annual reports, recent SQE results released and key assessment fees information.
Latest reports find SQE to be robust with improvements made
We have published a suite of annual reports on the fourth full year of the SQE. Together, these provide assurance on the robustness of the assessment and detail improvements in delivery and candidate support. They also set out how we continue to evaluate and improve the SQE.
Read more about the three reports
SQE fees from September 2026
Making sure that the quality of the SQE is maintained, and that it remains a valid, reliable, secure and fair assessment which meets our accessibility commitments, is one of our priorities. The latest annual increase in SQE fees reflects inflation and a small annual additional uplift towards the costs of translating the assessments into Welsh.
The increase will take effect from September 2026 and apply to any candidate that books to take the SQE from October 2026 onwards. The fees for 2026/2027 will be:
- SQE1: £2,006 (£1,934 for 2025/26)
- SQE2: £3,086 (£2,974 for 2025/26).
SQE website news email alert service
Our new SQE news email alert service can help you stay up to date on SQE topics. Sign up to receive weekly highlights covering assessment dates, policies, guidance and other key announcements straight to your inbox. Available to candidates and non‑candidates alike.
SQE1 sample questions updated
The SQE1 sample questions have been refreshed following the annual review including minor clarity updates and date/tax‑year changes. These offer candidates an up‑to‑date example of the format and standard expected in SQE1.
Find out more about the update
New video explains SQE reasonable adjustments process
A new video is now available to guide candidates through the reasonable adjustments application process. It explains what adjustments are available, how to apply and the type of information you would need provide.
Also available are the updated reasonable adjustments policy, FAQs and examples of the types of potential adjustments.
January 2026 SQE1 results
The results for the SQE1 January 2026 sitting have been published. A total of 7,863 candidates completed both parts of SQE1. Of these, 6,760 candidates sat SQE1 for the first time and achieved a pass rate of 58%.
The overall pass rate was 53% across all candidates. This includes candidates who were resitting – making up 14% of those taking the assessment.
The standard of performance a candidate needs to pass SQE1 is the same for every sitting. This is why there is no pre-determined pass mark for the assessment. The pass mark is set independently for each paper to allow for differences in difficulty.
Read the full statistical report
October 2025 SQE2 results
Results from the latest SQE2 sitting in October 2025 have been issued to candidates. This sitting showed a pass rate of 79% among first-time candidates and an overall pass rate of 78% across all 1,342 candidates who sat the exam.
Read the full statistical report
SQE candidate confidentiality policy updated
This policy explains what we expect from candidates around their conduct, use of assessment content and sharing information about the SQE. Recently updated, candidates should read this and the related guidance before sitting an assessment.
Find out more about confidentiality
Consultation on solicitors' continuing competence
We have published a consultation on potential new rules around solicitors' learning and development and proposed mandatory ethics discussion requirements. We would welcome views on whether we should introduce additional requirements to make sure aspiring solicitors understand ethics before admission.
Watch the latest SQE webinars on demand
Our latest webinars explore the latest developments in the SQE, including candidate data insights, new resources and what's next for the assessment. Aimed at training providers, employers and those supporting aspiring solicitors.
Other ways to get involved
Join our LinkedIn reference group. It will help you keep up to date with the latest SQE developments and opportunities to get involved in our surveys and events.
If you are thinking about taking the SQE, or know someone who is, please follow Career in Law for the latest information aimed at aspiring solicitors.
If you have any questions, or want more information on how you can get involved, contact us.
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