SQE1 Pass Rates: What the Data Tells Us

Introduction

"What is the SQE1 pass rate?" is one of the first questions every aspiring solicitor asks. It is a reasonable question — before committing months of study and significant exam fees, you want to know your chances.

The honest answer is that SQE1 is a challenging exam with a meaningful failure rate. But the data tells us more than a single number. Understanding what the pass rates actually mean, what factors influence them, and what you can do to place yourself in the passing cohort is far more useful than simply knowing the headline figure.

SQE1 Pass Rate Data

The SRA publishes pass rate data for each sitting of the SQE assessments. Since SQE1 was first sat in November 2021, the overall pass rates have generally fallen in the range of 53% to 58% across different sittings.

This means that roughly four to five out of every ten candidates fail on their first attempt. That is a significant failure rate, and it underscores the importance of thorough preparation.

Pass Rates by Sitting

Pass rates have varied between sittings, reflecting differences in candidate cohorts and preparation levels. Early sittings tended to have slightly different profiles because the exam was new and candidates were adjusting to the format. As the SQE has become established, pass rates have stabilised.

It is important to note that the SRA uses a standard-setting methodology to determine the pass mark for each sitting. The pass mark is not a fixed percentage — it is calibrated to reflect the difficulty of the particular set of questions. This means that a harder paper will have a lower pass mark, and an easier paper will have a higher one. The intention is to maintain a consistent standard across sittings.

Pass Rates by Background

The SRA has published breakdowns showing how pass rates vary by candidate background:

• Candidates with a qualifying law degree tend to have higher pass rates than those without a legal background, which is unsurprising given their prior exposure to the subject matter.
• Candidates who completed an SQE preparation course generally perform better than those who studied independently, although self-study candidates who prepare diligently can and do pass.
• International candidates sometimes have lower pass rates, which may reflect differences in familiarity with the law of England and Wales rather than differences in ability.

These patterns are broad trends, not deterministic rules. Your individual pass probability depends primarily on the quality and quantity of your preparation, not on your background.

What Affects SQE1 Pass Rates?

Quality of Preparation

The single biggest factor determining whether you pass SQE1 is how well you prepare. Candidates who study systematically, covering the full syllabus in depth and practising extensively with exam-style questions, are far more likely to pass than those who rely on passive reading or last-minute cramming.

Research across seven meta-analyses and 48,000+ learners confirms that practice testing produces dramatically better retention than passive study. The candidates who pass SQE1 are overwhelmingly those who have completed thousands of practice questions and reviewed their mistakes thoroughly.

Breadth of Study

SQE1 tests thirteen subject areas across FLK1 and FLK2. Some candidates focus too heavily on subjects they enjoy or find familiar, while neglecting others. Because every subject area features in the exam, a candidate who scores 90% in contract law but 30% in trusts may fail overall. Consistent performance across all subjects is essential.

Exam Technique

Understanding the single best answer format is crucial. SQE1 questions present five options, and you must select the single best answer. This means there may be options that are partially correct or correct in some circumstances but not in the specific scenario described. Candidates who have not practised this format extensively can lose marks by selecting an answer that is good but not the best.

Time management also matters. With 180 questions per paper in approximately five hours and twenty minutes, you need to maintain a steady pace. Candidates who spend too long on difficult questions and then rush through the final section often perform worse than they should.

Familiarity with English Law

SQE1 tests the law of England and Wales. Candidates whose legal education was in another jurisdiction may need additional time to learn the specific rules, case law, and statutory provisions that apply here. This is not an insurmountable barrier, but it does require targeted study.

Resilience and Stamina

Each SQE1 paper is over five hours long, and the two papers are sat on consecutive days. This is a test of endurance as well as knowledge. Candidates who are mentally and physically prepared for the marathon tend to perform better, particularly in the latter stages of each paper when fatigue sets in.

How to Be in the Passing Cohort

The 53-58% overall pass rate means that a well-prepared candidate has a good chance of passing. Here is what separates the candidates who pass from those who do not.

1. Cover the Entire Syllabus

There are no shortcuts. You must study all thirteen subject areas to a sufficient depth. Build a study plan that allocates time in proportion to the breadth and complexity of each area, and stick to it. Do not skip subjects you find difficult — these are precisely the areas where extra study time will have the greatest impact on your overall score.

2. Practise Thousands of Questions

The most important thing you can do is practise answering SQE1-style questions. This is not just about testing your knowledge — it is about training yourself to apply the law to unfamiliar scenarios, to read questions carefully, to eliminate incorrect options, and to manage your time effectively. Start practising early and make it a daily habit.

3. Review Every Mistake

When you get a practice question wrong, do not simply look at the correct answer and move on. Analyse why you got it wrong:

• Knowledge gap: You did not know the relevant legal rule. Go back to your study materials and learn it.
• Misreading: You missed a key word or misunderstood the scenario. Practise reading more carefully.
• Application error: You knew the law but applied it incorrectly to the facts. Work through similar scenarios to strengthen your analytical skills.
• Distractor trap: You selected a plausible but incorrect option. Practise identifying the single best answer, not just a correct answer.

4. Simulate Exam Conditions

Before the exam, complete at least two full practice papers under timed conditions. Sit for the full duration, take the same breaks you will have in the real exam, and score yourself rigorously. This serves two purposes: it reveals whether your knowledge and technique are at the required level, and it builds the stamina and mental endurance you need for exam day.

5. Look After Yourself

SQE1 preparation is a marathon, not a sprint. Burnout, poor sleep, and stress all impair cognitive performance. Build rest days into your study plan, exercise regularly, and maintain a balanced life during your preparation period. Candidates who arrive at the exam rested and focused perform better than those who have been cramming around the clock.

6. Learn from Resitters

If you do not pass on your first attempt, you are in good company — roughly 40-47% of candidates fail each sitting. The SRA allows unlimited resits. Analyse your performance, identify where you fell short, adjust your preparation, and try again. Many successful solicitors did not pass SQE1 on their first attempt.

Putting the Pass Rate in Perspective

A pass rate of 53-58% may sound intimidating, but consider the context:

• Not everyone prepares equally. The pass rate includes candidates who were underprepared, who underestimated the exam, or who sat it before they were ready. Well-prepared candidates have a significantly higher pass probability than the headline figure suggests.
• The exam is designed to maintain standards. The SRA uses SQE1 to ensure that every solicitor meets a minimum standard of legal knowledge. A challenging exam is not a flaw — it is a feature of a rigorous qualification.
• You can control your preparation. Unlike many factors in life, exam preparation is largely within your control. The amount of study you do, the number of practice questions you complete, and the quality of your revision all directly affect your chances.

Start Preparing Today

The candidates who pass SQE1 are those who take preparation seriously, start early, and commit to consistent practice. The pass rate is challenging but entirely achievable.

Sign up for free access to our SQE1 practice question bank and start building the knowledge and exam technique you need to be in the passing cohort.