Back to Reports 

SQE1 November 2021 Assessment 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. The first SQE1 assessments ran on 8 and 11 November 2021.

This report includes statistics that provide some simple feedback on the 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 overall
Candidate 1084 1078 1073
Passing Score 57% 56% NA
Pass Rate 67% 54% 53%

Descriptive Statistics

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

Statistic FLK1 FLK2
Mean % 61.2 56.8
Std. Dev % 12.6 13.9
Median % 62 58
Min % 21 22
Max % 89 89
Range % 68 67

Score Distribution Charts

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

This chart shows the distribution of scores for FLK1 Score Distribution

Y axis showing Frequency

200
150
100
50
Graph item showing 0 people scored 0-1
Graph item showing 0
Graph item showing 0
Graph item showing 0
Graph item showing 3
Graph item showing 10
Graph item showing 25
Graph item showing 32
Graph item showing 54
Graph item showing 92
Graph item showing 112
Graph item showing 137
Graph item showing 173
Graph item showing 176
Graph item showing 126
Graph item showing 92
Graph item showing 43
Graph item showing 0
Graph item showing 0
Graph item showing 0
A red line showing the passing score percentage required for each assessment
 
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100

X axis showingScore (%)

This chart shows the distribution of scores for FLK2 Score Distribution

Y axis showing Frequency

200
150
100
50
Graph item showing 0 people scored 0-5
Graph item showing 0 people scored 6-10
Graph item showing 0 people scored 11-15
Graph item showing 0 people scored 16-20
Graph item showing 10 people scored 21-25
Graph item showing 18 people scored 26-30
Graph item showing 52 people scored 31-35
Graph item showing 62 people scored 36-40
Graph item showing 96 people scored 41-45
Graph item showing 130 people scored 46-50
Graph item showing 124 people scored 51-55
Graph item showing 107 people scored 56-60
Graph item showing 146 people scored 61-65
Graph item showing 138 people scored 66-70
Graph item showing 91 people scored 71-75
Graph item showing 69 people scored 76-80
Graph item showing 26 people scored 81-85
Graph item showing 0 people scored 86-90
Graph item showing 0 people scored 91-95
Graph item showing 0 people scored 96-100
A red line showing the passing score percentage required for each assessment
 
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100

X axis showingScore (%)

This chart shows the scores for FLK1 and FLK2 divided into quintiles. Each quintile shows the range of scores achieved by a fifth of the candidates, with Q1 showing the top fifth and Q5 showing the bottom fifth of scores.

Y axis showing Test

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 top second of the candidates
Quintile graph showing the range of scores achieved by the top third of the candidates
Quintile graph showing the range of scores achieved by the top fourth 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
 
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100

X axis showingScore (%)

Performance by Practice Area

These charts show the scores for different practice areas within FLK1 and FLK2 divided into quintiles. Each quintile shows the range of scores achieved by a fifth of the candidates, with Q1 showing the top fifth and Q5 showing the bottom fifth of scores

This chart show the scores for different practice areas within FLK1.

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
 
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100

X axis showingScore (%)

This chart show the scores for different practice areas within FLK2.

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
 
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100

X axis showingScore (%)

Pass Rates

The following tables show pass rates based on the responses provided by candidates in the online diversity survey completed ahead of registering for the assessment. Mean scores and pass rates are not reported for groups with fewer than 10 candidates.

What is your ethnic group?
 FLK1 FLK2
 SQE1
Candidates Mean % Pass Rate % Candidates Mean % Pass Rate % Candidates Pass Rate %
n % n % n %
Asian / Asian British 343 32 57 53 342 32 53 44 340 32 43
Black / Black British 70 6 57 54 67 6 53 39 67 6 39
Mixed / multiple ethnic groups 50 5 63 74 50 5 59 64 50 5 58
Other ethnic group 75 7 57 53 75 7 52 41 74 7 41
White 464 43 65 79 461 43 61 67 460 43 66
Prefer not to say 82 8 63 74 83 8 56 48 82 8 49
Do you consider yourself to have a disability according to the definition in the Equality Act 2010?
 FLK1 FLK2 SQE1
Candidates Mean % Pass Rate % Candidates Mean % Pass Rate % Candidates Pass Rate %
n % n % n %
Yes 55 5 62 71 53 5 58 55 53 5 55
No 969 89 61 66 964 89 57 54 960 89 53
Prefer not to say 60 6 63 75 61 6 58 56 60 6 57
What is your sex?
 FLK1 FLK2 SQE1
Candidates Mean % Pass Rate % Candidates Mean % Pass Rate % Candidates Pass Rate %
n % n % n %
Female 683 63 61 67 676 63 57 55 674 63 54
Male 376 35 61 65 376 35 56 54 374 35 54
Prefer not to say 25 2 63 76 26 2 59 46 25 2 48
Which age category are you in? FLK1 FLK2 SQE1
Candidates Mean % Pass Rate % Candidates Mean % Pass Rate % Candidates Pass Rate %
n % n % n %
16-24 187 17 57 55 182 17 55 46 182 17 45
25-34 629 58 63 72 628 58 58 59 626 58 57
35-44 172 16 60 64 169 16 55 51 169 16 51
45-54 55 5 61 64 56 5 56 50 55 5 51
55-64 17 2 58 47 18 2 55 39 17 2 41
65+ 4 <1 - - 4 <1 - - 4 <1 -
Prefer not to say 20 2 65 75 21 2 60 57 20 2 60
Did either of your parents attend university by the time you were 18?
 FLK1 FLK2
 SQE1
Candidates Mean % Pass Rate % Candidates Mean % Pass Rate % Candidates Pass Rate %
n % n % n %
Yes, one or more of my parents attended university 462 43 63 72 455 42 59 60 454 42 58
No, neither of my parents attended university 480 44 60 63 481 45 56 51 478 45 51
Do not know / not sure 25 2 55 44 25 2 50 32 25 2 28
Prefer not to say 117 11 61 66 117 11 56 50 116 11 51
Have you undertaken any qualifying work experience?
 FLK1 FLK2 SQE1
Candidates Mean % Pass Rate % Candidates Mean % Pass Rate % Candidates Pass Rate %
n % n % n %
Yes 619 57 62 71 619 57 58 58 616 57 57
No 199 18 58 53 194 18 54 46 194 18 43
Prefer not to say 266 25 63 68 265 25 57 53 263 25 53
What is your highest level of education? FLK1 FLK2 SQE1
Candidates Mean % Pass Rate % Candidates Mean % Pass Rate % Candidates Pass Rate %
n % n % n %
Qualifications below degree level 18 2 59 56 18 2 58 61 18 2 56
At least an undergraduate degree 988 91 61 68 981 91 57 56 977 91 55
Not applicable 29 3 58 66 29 3 51 34 29 3 34
Prefer not to say 49 5 58 53 50 5 51 34 49 5 35
What was your undergraduate degree classification? FLK1 FLK2 SQE1
Candidates Mean % Pass Rate % Candidates Mean % Pass Rate % Candidates Pass Rate %
n % n % n %
1st 165 15 68 84 163 15 65 78 163 15 77
2:1 458 42 63 72 452 42 58 61 451 42 59
2:2 161 15 54 45 161 15 49 32 160 15 31
3rd 13 1 48 31 14 1 44 7 13 1 8
Distinction 17 2 65 71 16 1 61 63 16 1 63
Commendation 3 <1 - - 3 <1 - - 3 - -
Pass 27 2 57 52 27 3 52 41 27 3 41
Not applicable 90 8 63 77 90 8 59 61 90 8 59
Prefer not to say 54 5 55 46 55 5 50 31 54 5 31
Are you a qualified lawyer?
 FLK1 FLK2
 SQE1
Candidates Mean % Pass Rate % Candidates Mean % Pass Rate % Candidates Pass Rate %
n % n % n %
Yes 276 25 61 67 273 25 56 48 273 25 48
No 808 75 61 67 805 75 57 56 800 75 56
What type of school did you attend for the most time between the ages of 11 and 16?
 FLK1 FLK2
 SQE1
Candidates Mean % Pass Rate % Candidates Mean % Pass Rate % Candidates Pass Rate %
n % n % n %
State-run or state-funded school 325 30 62 68 324 30 58 57 322 30 57
State-run or state-funded school - selective 135 12 62 70 133 12 58 60 133 12 59
Independent or fee-paying school 97 9 61 64 95 9 57 56 95 9 54
Independent or fee-paying school (bursary covering 90% or more of tuition) 18 2 66 78 18 2 60 67 18 2 67
Attended school outside the UK 395 36 61 65 394 37 56 51 392 37 49
I don't know 6 1 - - 5 <1 - - 5 <1 -
Other 5 <1 - - 5 <1 - - 5 <1 -
Prefer not to say 103 10 61 69 104 10 56 50 103 10 50
What was the occupation of your main household earner when you were aged about 14?
 FLK1 FLK2
 SQE1
Candidates Mean % Pass Rate % Candidates Mean % Pass Rate % Candidates Pass Rate %
n % n % n %
Professional background 524 48 62 68 517 48 58 57 515 48 56
Intermediate background 160 15 61 68 160 15 57 53 159 15 53
Working class background 160 15 61 69 160 15 57 55 159 15 54
Other background 38 4 60 58 38 4 55 53 38 4 50
Prefer not to say 202 19 60 64 203 19 55 49 202 19 49

Ready to register for the SQE?

Create your personal SQE account and book your assessments.

Register for SQE 

Have you passed the SQE?

Find out what happens after passing the SQE and admission to the roll of solicitors.

Learn more

Ready to register for the SQE?

Create your personal SQE account and book your assessments.

Register for SQE 

Have you passed the SQE?

Find out what happens after passing the SQE and admission to the roll of solicitors.

Learn more about Have you passed the SQE?