Overall pass rate rose from 78% to 80%, continuing a pattern of comparatively strong outcomes in the second-stage assessment
The overall pass rate for the latest sitting of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE2) has risen to 80%, according to statistical report published by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), continuing a pattern of comparatively strong results in the second stage of the solicitors’ qualification regime.
The January 2026 SQE2 assessment was sat by 1,141 candidates and recorded a modest increase on the previous October 2025 sitting, when the overall pass rate stood at 78%. First-time candidates performed slightly worse than the cohort as a whole, achieving a 79% pass rate.
SQE2 consists of 16 stations, including 12 written assessments and four oral exercises, designed to test practical legal skills alongside the application of functioning legal knowledge. Candidates can only sit SQE2 after passing SQE1 or obtaining an exemption. While SQE1 outcomes have varied in recent sittings, SQE2 continues to generate pass rates in the high seventies.
However, the latest statistical report also highlights continuing attainment gaps across demographic groups. White candidates recorded an 88% pass rate in the January 2026 sitting, while Asian candidates achieved 66% and Black candidates 53%, according to the SRA’s diversity data.
Language background also appeared to affect performance. Candidates whose first language is English achieved an 84% pass rate, compared with 61% among candidates for whom English is not their first language.
Candidates holding a first-class undergraduate degree achieved the highest pass rate at 92%. This dropped to 81% for candidates with a 2:1 degree and 53% among those holding a 2:2 classification.
Educational background showed narrower differences. Candidates who attended independent or fee-paying schools recorded an 87% pass rate, slightly ahead of the 83% achieved by candidates from state schools. However, candidates educated at selective state schools produced the strongest results overall, with an 88% pass rate.
The SRA’s data also pointed to differences associated with qualifying work experience (QWE). Candidates who had completed QWE achieved an 81% pass rate, compared with 75% among those who had not completed their work experience requirement.
Already qualified lawyers, who comprised only 7% of the January 2026 cohort, recorded comparatively weaker outcomes. The report found that qualified lawyers achieved a 63% pass rate, compared with 81% among candidates who were not yet qualified.