Learning from recent SQE results – setting yourself up for success

How non-law graduates can succeed, with the right preparation and support

You may have seen the latest SQE1 results from July 2025 and if you're considering a career in law, particularly from a non-law background, they might’ve given you pause. However, in this article, I’ll be setting out how, with proper preparation and support, you can buck that trend.

With the pass rate at just 41%, it’s the lowest recorded since the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) was introduced. For many aspiring lawyers, especially those without a law degree, this headline might feel like cause for concern but, this result doesn’t mean you’re not capable of qualifying. In fact, it’s not your background that determines your chances, it’s how you prepare.

At BARBRI, we’ve consistently seen SQE1 pass rates that far exceed the national average. Our most recent cohort achieved a pass rate of 62% thanks to structured learning, practice tools and ongoing tutor support. Based on self-reported student outcomes, BARBRI students have consistently outperformed the national average.

The SQE is more achievable than it looks

I’ve worked closely with students from a wide range of academic disciplines, from engineering to the arts and I’ve seen how well non-law graduates can thrive in this profession.

That’s why I want to offer some context and encouragement, especially if you're a non-law student wondering whether this is still the right route for you. It’s important to remember that your background isn’t a barrier to success.

Why the SQE1 results might seem alarming, but don’t have to be

The SQE1 is a tough exam, that isn’t in question. It tests functioning legal knowledge across core areas like contract law, criminal law and business law using single best answer questions (SBAs). What makes it different from university-style assessments is its breadth and intensity. You’re expected to understand how legal principles apply in practical, real-world contexts and you’re assessed under tight exam conditions.

While we don’t have insight into each candidate’s individual study approach, the July 2025 outcomes suggest that the breadth and depth of knowledge required for SQE1 can be challenging without sustained, structured preparation. The results are therefore less a reflection of candidate capability and more an indication of how demanding the assessment is, reinforcing the importance of comprehensive support and preparation strategies.

So, while the numbers may look bleak, they don’t reflect your potential. What matters is getting the right preparation and support.

What if you’re from a non-law background?

Many students I speak to worry that their non-law degree means they’re on the back foot. The reality is, 39% of trainee solicitors don’t have a law degree. What firms care about is whether you have the legal knowledge, the critical thinking and the resilience to succeed – all of which can be built.

In fact, non-law students often bring huge strengths including:

• fresh perspectives;
• strong analytical or communication skills; and
• experience applying knowledge across different contexts.

However, what you do need is time to build legal knowledge from the ground up. That’s where a structured SQE1 prep course makes all the difference.

What does good SQE preparation look like?

A good prep course doesn’t just give you content, it teaches you how to learn it. That means understanding how to answer SBAs under pressure, how to spot patterns in legal questions and how to study efficiently.

At BARBRI, we’ve supported over 1.4 million students globally, including thousands of SQE Prep candidates from non-law backgrounds. If that’s you, our Foundations in Law course gives you a solid starting point before diving into SQE1 content. While not a requirement, the course acts as a valuable confidence-boosting bridge into the SQE by strengthening your understanding of the legal system and core skills before formal preparation begins.

From there, our Flexible SQE1 Prep 40-week course is built for balance, with flexible study plans, practice tests, expert support and on-demand resources that fit around your life. Many students also find our SQE1 Mocks incredibly useful, simulating real exam conditions to boost confidence and sharpen technique before exam day.

We also partner with universities across the UK to offer enhanced support and discounts – check if your university is included here.

Wondering if you need a Postgraduate Diploma in Law? The SRA doesn’t require one, but many firms still do, so it’s worth checking with your chosen employer.

And if things don’t go to plan the first time around, BARBRI also offers a SQE Prep Guarantee, giving you continued access and support if you don’t pass on your first attempt.

You’re not alone and you’re not behind

If you're looking at these results and thinking “I’m not ready yet”, that’s okay. Most successful solicitors didn’t have everything figured out from day one. Some changed degrees, others started working first or came back to law later.

As the year approaches, it can be a good moment to think about what support and preparation you might want to put in place now to set yourself up for success in the future. If you’re considering structured prep, there’s also a practical benefit to planning early. BARBRI’s biggest Black Friday Sale is coming soon, offering 15% off all courses, including SQE Prep, Extended US Bar Prep and supplemental courses. You can pre-register now to access the offer and make sure you don’t miss out on the best pricing of the year.

So, what should you do now?

If you're a non-law student thinking about next steps and wanting to build in success, I’d make several recommendations:

• Don’t panic about the previous pass rates, use them as a reminder for strong preparation.
• Give yourself time if you're still in university, that means looking at options early so you can plan study around final year or postgrad commitments.
• Reach out – use open days, free webinars or platforms like HeadStart to learn what support is available.
• Start with the basics – you don’t need to know everything right away, but building your confidence with key legal concepts early on will make a real difference.
• Get funding in place – this something we recommend looking into as soon as possible, whether you’re self-funded or paying through an employer. There’ll be different options available to you and we offer flexible payment plans, student loans and scholarships.

Check out BARBRI’s free HeadStart careers portal for guidance, events and legal career resources, especially for non-law students. As someone who’s worked in legal education for a long time, I know how hard students can be on themselves. Especially when you’re coming into a new field, it’s easy to see headlines like “lowest pass rate ever” and assume you’re not cut out for it.

Qualification is not about perfection – it’s about preparation, self-awareness and taking the next right step – one at a time.

You don’t have to do it all at once and you don’t have to do it alone.

Ready to take the next step in your career?

Enroll now, request a call back or be among the first to access BARBRI’s Black Friday discount by pre-registering your interest. This is a limited-time opportunity to start your legal career journey with expert support and save while you do it.

Sophie Winstone-Partridge is a student sales manager at BARBRI.

With a rich background in the global education sector, Sophie has built her career through consulting and relationship management roles across international markets. She now leads a dynamic team of consultants at BARBRI, guiding aspiring solicitors through their exam preparation journey with strategic insight and expert support.