We’re pleased to announce that our candidates have once again exceeded the industry average in the July 2024 Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE1). According to the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) recent report, the overall pass rate for this exam was 44%. In contrast, 60% of BARBRI candidates who have reported their results so far achieved a pass.
Notably, BARBRI candidates who completed more than 90% of their Personal Study Plan (PSP) performed particularly well, with a 67% pass rate. These results are based on reports from approximately 1,000 candidates, with further updates expected as more students share their outcomes.
We introduced a few new features in the SQE1 Prep course for the July exam that likely played a role in our candidates' success. Our subject-specific clinics offered targeted guidance and the revision section of the PSP was enhanced by including additional practice questions as specific tasks. These changes resulted in greater engagement - PSP completion rates were 3% higher than in January and for those who passed, completion was 10% higher. Additionally, simulated exam completion rates were also 8% higher in July, showing that our candidates are taking full advantage of the resources and preparation strategies we provide.
Lucie Allen, Managing Director of BARBRI, said: "We are delighted to share these results, reflecting the dedication of our candidates and the quality of our preparation courses. The success of candidates who completed at least 90% of their PSP is particularly encouraging, as it highlights the value of comprehensive study in achieving strong outcomes.
“While the overall pass rate has been lower than expected, particularly with regard to the attainment gap, we were encouraged to see the SRA bring stakeholders together recently to address these important issues. We fully support ongoing efforts to improve outcomes for all candidates and look forward to continued progress in this area."
As a new exam format, the SQE has presented unique challenges and we remain focused on supporting candidates through this transition. Over time, we expect pass rates to continue rising, as students and educators alike gain more familiarity with the exam structure. Drawing on our extensive experience with bar exam preparation globally, the team at BARBRI are confident in our ability to help candidates navigate the SQE with tailored resources and expert guidance.
We continue to see success across a diverse range of candidates, including non-law graduates and those for whom English is not a first language. With flexible part-time and full-time study options, our innovative, data-driven learning approach continues to support a broad range of aspiring solicitors. As the SQE becomes an increasingly central part of the qualification process in England and Wales, we remain committed to refining our programmes to meet the evolving needs of the profession.
For more information on BARBRI’s SQE preparation courses, please visit www.barbri.com/sqe.
Interesting in reading more? Fill out the form to read the full article.