Report on candidate characteristics and factors that affect scores in the SQE

Nov 10, 2025

We have published a report on the characteristics of the SQE candidates and how these may affect scores.

Ethnic diversity. The analysis shows the SQE candidature is very ethnically diverse with all minority groups well represented; more so than both the 2021 census (working age population) and population of working lawyers.

Socio-economic background. A socio-economic analysis shows that the candidature is drawn broadly from across society, including high levels of engagement from the least privileged groups.

Factors that influence candidate scores. We have used complex statistical modelling to identify what variance in scores can be explained by known factors for which we have data. This analysis identifies that, whilst most of the variance cannot be explained, a number of candidate characteristics are linked to significant score variance. The largest variance is associated with measures of prior attainment.

Learn more: SQE reports