SQE1 January 2025 Statistical Report

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is a single rigorous assessment for all aspiring solicitors. It consists of two parts: SQE1, which tests candidates' functioning legal knowledge and SQE2 which tests candidates' practical legal skills and knowledge.

This report includes statistics that provide some simple feedback on the January 2025 SQE1 assessments and their performance. The table below shows the number of candidates, the passing score, and the overall pass rate for FLK1 and FLK2. It also shows the number of candidates who sat both parts of SQE1 and their pass rate.

Statistic FLK1 FLK2 SQE1
Passing Score 300 300 -
Candidates (All) 7071 7287 6782
Candidates who did not sit*  57  64
 Candidates (Graded)  7064 7230  6718 
Pass Rate (All Candidates) 64% 61% 56%
Candidates (First attempt only) 6009 5965 5908
Pass rate (First attempt only) 66% 64% 60%

*Candidates who used an attempt but did not sit one of the assessments (with no mitigating circumstances). These candidates are no longer included in the pass rates and statistics within this report.

Descriptive Statistics

The following table shows the average (mean) score, the standard deviation, median score, minimum score, maximum score and range of observed scores for FLK1 and FLK2.

Statistic FLK1 FLK2
Mean  312.5 309.3
SD 64.7 71.2
Median 320 317.5
Min  98 84
Max  459 469
Range 361 385

Score Distribution Charts

The following charts show the distribution of scores for FLK1 and FLK2, with a red line showing the passing score required for each assessment.

FLK1 - Scaled Score Distribution

Y axis showing Frequency

500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
7064 candidates
Pass mark = 300
Graph item showing 0 people scored 0-10
Graph item showing 0 people scored 11-20
Graph item showing 0 people scored 21-30
Graph item showing 0 people scored 31-40
Graph item showing 0 people scored 41-50
Graph item showing 0 people scored 51-60
Graph item showing 0 people scored 61-70
Graph item showing 0 people scored 71-80
Graph item showing 0 person scored 81-90
Graph item showing 1 person scored 91-100
Graph item showing 2 people scored 101-110
Graph item showing 4 people scored 111-120
Graph item showing 13 people scored 121-130
Graph item showing 35 people scored 131-140
Graph item showing 35 people scored 141-150
Graph item showing 40 people scored 151-160
Graph item showing 68 people scored 161-170
Graph item showing 85 people scored 171-180
Graph item showing 85 people scored 181-190
Graph item showing 97 people scored 191-200
Graph item showing 122 people scored 201-200
Graph item showing 157 people scored 211-220
Graph item showing 128 people scored 221-230
Graph item showing 170 people scored 231-240
Graph item showing 191 people scored 241-250
Graph item showing 246 people scored 251-260
Graph item showing 227 people scored 261-270
Graph item showing 254 people scored 271-280
Graph item showing 279 people scored 281-290
Graph item showing 404 people scored 291-300
Graph item showing 432 people scored 301-310
Graph item showing 468 people scored 311-320
Graph item showing 423 people scored 321-330
Graph item showing 477 people scored 331-340
Graph item showing 432 people scored 341-350
Graph item showing 411 people scored 351-360
Graph item showing 388 people scored 361-370
Graph item showing 400 people scored 371-380
Graph item showing 305 people scored 381-390
Graph item showing 228 people scored 391-400
Graph item showing 208 people scored 401-410
Graph item showing 132 people scored 411-420
Graph item showing 68 people scored 421-430
Graph item showing 31 people scored 431-440
Graph item showing 13 people scored 441-450
Graph item showing 5 people scored 451-460
Graph item showing 0 person scored 461-470
Graph item showing 0 people scored 471-480
Graph item showing 0 people scored 481-490
Graph item showing 0 people scored 491-500
A red line showing the passing score required for each assessment
 
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400
450
500

X axis showingFLK1 Score

FLK2 - Scaled Score Distribution

Y axis showing Frequency

550
500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
7230 candidates
Pass mark = 300
Graph item showing 0 people scored 0-10
Graph item showing 0 people scored 11-20
Graph item showing 0 people scored 21-30
Graph item showing 0 people scored 31-40
Graph item showing 0 people scored 41-50
Graph item showing 0 people scored 51-60
Graph item showing 0 people scored 61-70
Graph item showing 0 people scored 71-80
Graph item showing 1 people scored 81-90
Graph item showing 4 people scored 91-100
Graph item showing 6 people scored 101-110
Graph item showing 11 people scored 111-120
Graph item showing 19 people scored 121-130
Graph item showing 38 people scored 131-140
Graph item showing 59 people scored 141-150
Graph item showing 63 people scored 151-160
Graph item showing 89 people scored 161-170
Graph item showing 94 people scored 171-180
Graph item showing 118 people scored 181-190
Graph item showing 145 people scored 191-200
Graph item showing 163 people scored 201-200
Graph item showing 152 people scored 211-220
Graph item showing 176 people scored 221-230
Graph item showing 172 people scored 231-240
Graph item showing 235 people scored 241-250
Graph item showing 228 people scored 251-260
Graph item showing 211 people scored 261-270
Graph item showing 266 people scored 271-280
Graph item showing 317 people scored 281-290
Graph item showing 317 people scored 291-300
Graph item showing 394 people scored 301-310
Graph item showing 473 people scored 311-320
Graph item showing 461 people scored 321-330
Graph item showing 414 people scored 331-340
Graph item showing 352 people scored 341-350
Graph item showing 409 people scored 351-360
Graph item showing 325 people scored 361-370
Graph item showing 347 people scored 371-380
Graph item showing 287 people scored 381-390
Graph item showing 230 people scored 391-400
Graph item showing 227 people scored 401-410
Graph item showing 177 people scored 411-420
Graph item showing 111 people scored 421-430
Graph item showing 79 people scored 431-440
Graph item showing 33 people scored 441-450
Graph item showing 20 people scored 451-460
Graph item showing 7 people scored 461-470
Graph item showing 0 people scored 471-480
Graph item showing 0 people scored 481-490
Graph item showing 0 people scored 491-500
A red line showing the passing score required for each assessment
 
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350
400
450
500

X axis showingFLK2 Score

Score Quintile Chart

This chart shows the quintile score ranges for FLK1 and FLK2, with a minimum possible score of 0 and a maximum possible score of 500. A fifth of candidates fall within each quintile, with Q1 showing the top fifth and Q5 showing the bottom fifth of candidates.

 
FLK1
FLK2
Quintile graph showing the range of scores achieved by the top fifth of the candidates
Quintile graph showing the range of scores achieved by the second fifth of the candidates
Quintile graph showing the range of scores achieved by the third fifth of the candidates
Quintile graph showing the range of scores achieved by the fourth fifth of the candidates
Quintile graph showing the range of scores achieved by the bottom fifth of the candidates
Quintile graph showing the range of scores achieved by the top fifth of the candidates
Quintile graph showing the range of scores achieved by the second fifth of the candidates
Quintile graph showing the range of scores achieved by the third fifth of the candidates
Quintile graph showing the range of scores achieved by the fourth fifth of the candidates
Quintile graph showing the range of scores achieved by the bottom fifth of the candidates

Graph key showingQuintile

  • Graph key showing how Q1is represented in the graph
  • Graph key showing how Q2is represented in the graph
  • Graph key showing how Q3is represented in the graph
  • Graph key showing how Q4is represented in the graph
  • Graph key showing how Q5is represented in the graph
 
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500

X axis showingScaled Score

Performance by Practice Area

These charts show the scores for the different practice areas within FLK1 and FLK2, with a minimum possible score of 0 and a maximum possible score of 500. A fifth of candidates fall within each quintile, with Q1 showing the top fifth and Q5 showing the bottom fifth of candidates.

FLK1 Practice Areas

Y axis showing Practice area

BLP
DR
CL
T
LSys
LSrv
E
FLK1 Quintile graph for Business Law & Practice showing the range of scores achieved by the top fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Business Law & Practice showing the range of scores achieved by the second fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Business Law & Practice showing the range of scores achieved by the third fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Business Law & Practice showing the range of scores achieved by the fourth fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Business Law & Practice showing the range of scores achieved by the bottom fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Dispute Resolution showing the range of scores achieved by the top fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Dispute Resolution showing the range of scores achieved by the second fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Dispute Resolution showing the range of scores achieved by the third fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Dispute Resolution showing the range of scores achieved by the fourth fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Dispute Resolution showing the range of scores achieved by the bottom fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Contract Law showing the range of scores achieved by the top fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Contract Law showing the range of scores achieved by the second fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Contract Law showing the range of scores achieved by the third fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Contract Law showing the range of scores achieved by the fourth fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Contract Law showing the range of scores achieved by the bottom fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Tort showing the range of scores achieved by the top fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Tort showing the range of scores achieved by the second fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Tort showing the range of scores achieved by the third fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Tort showing the range of scores achieved by the fourth fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Tort showing the range of scores achieved by the bottom fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Legal System showing the range of scores achieved by the top fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Legal System showing the range of scores achieved by the second fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Legal System showing the range of scores achieved by the third fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Legal System showing the range of scores achieved by the fourth fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Legal System showing the range of scores achieved by the bottom fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Legal Services showing the range of scores achieved by the top fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Legal Services showing the range of scores achieved by the second fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Legal Services showing the range of scores achieved by the third fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Legal Services showing the range of scores achieved by the fourth fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Legal Services showing the range of scores achieved by the bottom fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Ethics showing the range of scores achieved by the top fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Ethics showing the range of scores achieved by the second fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Ethics showing the range of scores achieved by the third fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Ethics showing the range of scores achieved by the fourth fifth of the candidates
FLK1 Quintile graph for Ethics showing the range of scores achieved by the bottom fifth of the candidates

Graph key showingQuintile

  • Graph key showing how Q1 is represented in the graph
  • Graph key showing how Q2is represented in the graph
  • Graph key showing how Q3is represented in the graph
  • Graph key showing how Q4is represented in the graph
  • Graph key showing how Q5is represented in the graph
 
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300
350
400
450
500

X axis showingScaled Score

FLK2 Practice Areas

Y axis showing Practice area

E
PP
WI
LL
TL
CLi
CLP
FLK2 Quintile graph for Ethics showing the range of scores achieved by the top fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Ethics showing the range of scores achieved by the second fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Ethics showing the range of scores achieved by the third fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Ethics showing the range of scores achieved by the fourth fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Ethics showing the range of scores achieved by the bottom fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Property Practice showing the range of scores achieved by the top fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Property Practice showing the range of scores achieved by the second fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Property Practice showing the range of scores achieved by the third fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Property Practice showing the range of scores achieved by the fourth fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Property Practice showing the range of scores achieved by the bottom fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Wills & Intestacy showing the range of scores achieved by the top fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Wills & Intestacy showing the range of scores achieved by the second fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Wills & Intestacy showing the range of scores achieved by the third fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Wills & Intestacy showing the range of scores achieved by the fourth fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Wills & Intestacy showing the range of scores achieved by the bottom fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Land Law showing the range of scores achieved by the top fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Land Law showing the range of scores achieved by the second fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Land Law showing the range of scores achieved by the third fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Land Law showing the range of scores achieved by the fourth fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Land Law showing the range of scores achieved by the bottom fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Trust Law showing the range of scores achieved by the top fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Trust Law showing the range of scores achieved by the second fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Trust Law showing the range of scores achieved by the third fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Trust Law showing the range of scores achieved by the fourth fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Trust Law showing the range of scores achieved by the bottom fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Criminal Liability showing the range of scores achieved by the top fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Criminal Liability showing the range of scores achieved by the second fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Criminal Liability showing the range of scores achieved by the third fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Criminal Liability showing the range of scores achieved by the fourth fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Criminal Liability showing the range of scores achieved by the bottom fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Criminal Law & Practice showing the range of scores achieved by the top fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Criminal Law & Practice showing the range of scores achieved by the second fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Criminal Law & Practice showing the range of scores achieved by the third fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Criminal Law & Practice showing the range of scores achieved by the fourth fifth of the candidates
FLK2 Quintile graph for Criminal Law & Practice showing the range of scores achieved by the bottom fifth of the candidates

Graph key showingQuintile

  • Graph key showing how Q1 is represented in the graph
  • Graph key showing how Q2is represented in the graph
  • Graph key showing how Q3is represented in the graph
  • Graph key showing how Q4is represented in the graph
  • Graph key showing how Q5is represented in the graph
 
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450
500

X axis showingScaled Score

Pass Rates

The SRA collects diversity and socio-economic data to help understand how candidates with different characteristics and backgrounds perform in the assessments. The data categories are consistent with data collected by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the Social Mobility Commission.

Based on responses to the online diversity survey, completed ahead of assessment registration, the following is provided in each table for FLK1 and FLK2:

  • Proportion of candidates in each group (Candidates %)
  • Average score within each group (Mean Score)
  • Pass rate for each group (Pass Rate %)

The proportion of candidates along with the pass rate is also provided for SQE1.

These tables provide data for the first attempt candidates, with data not reported for groups with fewer than 10 candidates. Performance of all candidates, including resitting candidates, will be presented in the SQE Annual Report.

What is your ethnic group?

Response
FLK1 FLK2
SQE1
Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Pass Rate %
Asian / Asian British 25 299 56 25 293 53 25 49
Black / Black British 7 285 44 7 281 44 7 37
Mixed / multiple ethnic groups 6 324 69 6 322 67 6 63
Other ethnic group 6 297 54 6 290 49 6 44
White 50 332 76 50 332 74 50 70
Prefer not to say 6 321 70 6 311 63 6 61

Do you consider yourself to have a disability according to the definition in the Equality Act 2010?

Response
FLK1 FLK2
SQE1
Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Pass Rate %
Yes 9 321 67 9 321 66 9 60
No 85 316 66 85 313 63 85 59
Prefer not to say 6 332 76 6 328 72 6 69

What is your sex?

Response
FLK1 FLK2
SQE1
Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Pass Rate %
Female 62 312 63 63 310 62 63 57
Male 36 325 71 35 321 67 35 64
Other - - - - - - - -
Prefer not to say 2 333 78 2 326 75 2 73

Which age category are you in?

Response
FLK1 FLK2
SQE1
Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Pass Rate %
16-24 52 319 66 52 320 67 52 62
25-34 36 319 70 36 313 64 36 61
35-44 9 302 57 9 292 51 9 47
45-54 2 289 53 2 280 47 2 42
55-64 <1 271 38 <1 252 38 <1 33
65+ - - - - - - - -
Prefer not to say 1 323 73 1 315 68 1 69

What is your religion or belief?

Response
FLK1 FLK2
SQE1
Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Pass Rate %
Buddhist 1 311 64 1 301 55 1 53
Christian 27 313 64 27 310 60 27 56
Hindu 5 280 44 5 274 45 5 41
Jewish 1 341 80 1 342 78 1 73
Muslim 12 277 42 12 272 42 12 37
Sikh 289 51 283 49 2 45
No religion or belief 38 334 77 38 333 74 38 70
Other 1 314 63 1 314 67 1 57
Prefer not to say 13 327 72 13 321 68 13 65

What is your highest level of education?

Response
FLK1 FLK2
SQE1
Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Mean  Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Pass Rate %
At least an undergraduate degree 95 318 67 95 315 64 95 60
Qualifications below degree level 1 304 58 1 300 51 1 48
 No formal qualifications - -
Not applicable 1 299 61 292 57 1 55
Prefer not to say 3 315 68 3 309 61 3 58

What was your undergraduate degree classification?

Response
FLK1 FLK2
SQE1
Candidates % Mean  Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Pass Rate %
1st 26 350 84 25 353 83 26 80
2:1 48 313 64 49 311 63 49 58
2:2 8 254 29 8 246 26 8 21
3rd 1 238 21 1 237 22 <1 15
Commendation <1 316 67 <1 299 39 <1 33
Distinction 2 316 62 2 303 58 2 53
Pass 1 266 38 1 260 31 1 27
Prefer not to say 6 307 64 6 296 56 6 53
Not applicable 8 319 71 8 312 65 8 63

Did either of your parents attend university by the time you were 18?

Response
FLK1 FLK2
SQE1
Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Pass Rate %
Yes, one or more of my parents attended university 57 324 70 57 322 67 57 64
No, neither of my parents attended university 32 305 60 32 302 58 32 53
Do not know / not sure 2 304 60 2 306 60 2 54
Prefer not to say 9 321 69 9 314 65 9 62

What was the occupation of your main household earner when you were aged about 14?

Response
FLK1 FLK2
SQE1
Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Pass Rate %
Professional background 58 323 69 58 321 67 59 63
Intermediate background 11 308 61 11 307 61 10 56
Working class background 13 305 60 13 301 57 13 52
Other background 3 296 52 3 292 50 3 44
Prefer not to say 15 315 67 15 310 62 15 59

What type of school did you attend for the most time between the ages of 11 and 16?

Response
FLK1 FLK2
SQE1
Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Pass Rate %
State-run or state-funded school - non-selective 31 312 64 31 312 63 31 58
State-run or state-funded school - selective on academic, faith or other grounds 14 321 69 14 320 66 15 62
Independent or fee-paying school 14 333 74 14 334 74 14 70
Independent or fee-paying school, where I received a bursary covering 90% or more of my tuition 1 331 74 1 337 74 1 72
Attended school outside the UK 31 312 63 31 305 59 31 55
I don't know 1 262 30 1 248 30 <1 32
Other <1 263 33 <1 265 43 <1 36
Prefer not to say 8 324 71 8 317 66 8 64

Have you undertaken any Qualifying Work Experience?

Response
FLK1 FLK2
SQE1
Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Pass Rate %
Yes 35 311 66 35 304 60 35 56
No 64 320 67 64 320 66 64 62
Prefer not to say 1 320 73 1 301 73 1 69

Are you a qualified lawyer?

Response
FLK1 FLK2
SQE1
Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Pass Rate %
Yes 22 308 63 22 297 56 22 52
No 78 320 67 78 319 66 78 62
Prefer not to say - - - - - - - -

Please state what your first language is:

Response
FLK1 FLK2
SQE1
Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Mean Score Pass Rate % Candidates % Pass Rate %
English 73 321 68 73 320 67 73 62
Other 26 308 63 26 299 57 26 53
 Not applicable 1 306 61 288 53 1 48

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