SQE pass rate drops to record low of 41%
updated on 03 October 2025
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The pass rate for part one of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) has dropped to 41% in the July 2025 sitting, according to the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) latest statistical report. This is the lowest recorded SQE1 pass rate so far for the assessment, down from the previous record low of 44% in July 2024.
However, the SRA also revealed that this cohort had the highest proportion of resitting candidates (19%), who tend to have a lower pass rate, according to the SRA. Meanwhile, first-attempt candidates had a slightly higher pass rate of 46%, significantly lower than the 60% first attempt pass rate in the January 2025 sitting.
The SRA commented: “The standard of performance a candidate needs to pass SQE1 is the same for every sitting […] One of the ways we make sure the standard is maintained is through the use of common questions. We analyse how candidates sitting at different times, and also between different papers in the same sitting, performed in those questions.
“The analysis of the performance on the common questions in the July 2025 assessment showed that the July 2025 cohort is weaker than previous cohorts, including the July 2024 cohort.”
The SQE assessments consist of two parts: SQE1, which tests candidates' functioning legal knowledge and SQE2 which tests candidates' practical legal skills and knowledge.
For more information about the SQE, including preparation courses, the assessments and more, head to LawCareers.Net’s SQE hub, sponsored by The University of Law.
