Support with reasonable adjustments

If you’ve requested reasonable adjustments (RA) for your SQE assessments, you’ll have ongoing support throughout the process to help make your experience as smooth as possible.

Dedicated support from the Equality and Quality team

Once you submit your RA application, we’ll assign you a named contact from our Equality and Quality (E&Q) team. This is a Reasonable Adjustment Liaison (RAL). Your RAL will be your main point of contact and will guide you through every step — from reviewing your request to confirming your adjustments for assessment.

Your liaison will:

  • Work closely with you to understand your needs
  • Offer advice on the information and supporting documents required
  • Help explain possible adjustments you might discuss with your disability assessor
  • Provide ongoing support and continuity throughout the booking and assessment process

You can communicate with your liaison via email or other agreed methods to ask questions or seek advice.


Reader or scribe

For assessment sittings where a reader or scribe is required, we arrange for you to meet them before your assessment. This helps both you and the reader/scribe become familiar with one another and establish working arrangements, such as pace, seating, and use of instructions. This preparation supports a smoother assessment experience.


Review process

If you feel the proposed adjustments do not remove the significant disadvantage you can request a review of the proposed adjustments. After discussing your concerns with the RAL. you submit a Request for Review by email explaining why you reject the proposal.

Your request will be reviewed by a reviewer, who will consider all factors and make a decision. You’ll receive a response within 10 working days. If the request is upheld, a revised proposal will be made within five working days.


Mitigating circumstances

If unforeseen events or personal circumstances affect your performance during an assessment, you can submit a mitigating circumstances request at no cost. This process helps address issues such as illness or administrative irregularities that may impact your performance in the assessment.

For more information, see the SQE mitigating circumstances guidance.


Additional expenses

We understand that some RA candidates might face extra costs, such as travel or accommodation, to attend a suitable test centre. In some cases, we may cover reasonable additional expenses after discussing your individual circumstances and in line with the Equality Act 2010.


Confidentiality and communication

We respect your privacy and handle all information about your disability or condition confidentially. If you have concerns about submitting supporting documents or sharing information, please contact us to discuss how we can assist.


Relevant links

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?