We have updated the SQE Mitigating Circumstances Policy and SQE Safeguarding Policy as part of our regular review process. These updates are primarily for clarity and to update our processes.

These updates are effective immediately and will therefore apply to SQE1 and SQE2 assessments that take place from and including January 2026.

We encourage all candidates to read the updated policies for full details. A summary of the changes is below:

Mitigating Circumstances Policy

• Paragraph 2.10 has been revised so if an issue arises during an assessment, it must be reported by the candidate to an invigilator or proctor as soon as possible so the issue can be rectified if possible
• Paragraph 2.11 is a new paragraph to align the provisions of the Fit to Sit Policy, setting out the steps that must be taken by a candidate if illness or other personal circumstances arise during an assessment.
• Paragraph 4.6 has been updated to clarify what supporting written evidence would be accepted for a claim under paragraph 2.1(c) of the policy.
• Paragraph 4.7 has been revised to explain the deadline and provide more details about the process to submit evidence in support of a claim.
• Paragraph 5.5.2 - clarifies the circumstances when the Assessment Board will consider removing an assessment station in SQE2 for a candidate to pass with only 15 assessment stations (rather than 16).
• Paragraph 2.2 and paragraph 6 - implementation of Assessment Delivery Disruption which is replacing Assessment Delivery Failure. The new process now includes events preventing delivery or completion of the assessment, which are outside the control of Kaplan SQE and the test centre, such as fire, utility service failure or technical failure. The update provides details about the actions and processes when such a disruption occurs.

Safeguarding Policy

• Paragraph 5.4 has the updated Kaplan SQE safeguarding principles.
• Paragraphs 8.1 and 8.7 provide updated contact points to report safeguarding issues.

Learn more: SQE Policies