SRA: Extends SQE2 Spell-Checker Trial Through October 2026

• The Solicitors Regulation Authority has extended its trial of a spell-check tool for SQE2 written assessments until the October 2026 sitting.
• The tool, available on the Pearson assessment platform, helps identify spelling errors but does not correct grammar or offer writing assistance.
• Existing SRA guidance on clear, precise, and concise language for aspiring lawyers remains unchanged.
• The spell-check was introduced in July 2026 following a recommendation from SQE independent reviewers.
• SQE2 consists of 12 written assessments and four oral exercises, testing practical legal skills.

Lawyers involved in legal education, recruitment, or mentoring aspiring solicitors should note the SRA's continued emphasis on clear, precise, and concise language in SQE2 written assessments, despite the provision of a basic spell-check tool.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has announced an extension to its trial of a spell-check tool for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE2) written assessments. This trial, which initially commenced in July, will now continue through the October 2026 sitting. The tool is integrated into the Pearson assessment platform, operating under the identical terms and conditions established during its initial introduction. Its primary function is to assist candidates in identifying and correcting spelling errors within their responses.

Crucially, the spell-check feature is limited in its capabilities. While it flags misspellings, it does not provide any form of grammatical correction, offer writing assistance, or suggest content improvements. This specific design ensures that the core assessment of a candidate's writing ability remains uncompromised, focusing solely on basic orthographic accuracy. The SRA's decision to extend this trial reflects an ongoing effort to support aspiring solicitors in their written work, a recommendation that originated from an independent review of the SQE.

The introduction and subsequent extension of the spell-check trial do not alter the Solicitors Regulation Authority's fundamental expectations regarding written communication. The existing guidance on spelling and grammar for the SQE2 written assessments remains entirely unchanged. This means that aspiring lawyers are still required to demonstrate clear, precise, concise, and acceptable language throughout their submissions, underscoring the high standards expected in the legal profession. The spell-check is merely a basic aid, not a substitute for robust writing skills.

The SQE2 examination is a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate practical legal skills and functioning legal knowledge. It comprises a total of 16 distinct stations, which are divided into 12 written assessments and four oral exercises. These components collectively test a wide array of competencies essential for a practicing solicitor, from drafting legal documents to client interviewing and advocacy. The initial announcement of the spell-check function in May followed a key recommendation from the annual report by the SQE independent reviewers, who advocated for better support for candidates in their written tasks.

The SRA's continued provision of a basic spell-check tool, while maintaining stringent language requirements, highlights a nuanced approach to assessing future legal professionals. It acknowledges the potential for minor errors while simultaneously reinforcing the paramount importance of sophisticated written communication. This stance ensures that candidates are not unduly penalized for simple typos, yet are still rigorously evaluated on their ability to articulate legal concepts with clarity and accuracy. Lawyers involved in legal education, recruitment, or mentoring aspiring solicitors should note the SRA's continued emphasis on clear, precise, and concise language in SQE2 written assessments, despite the provision of a basic spell-check tool. This reinforces the high standards expected of future legal professionals in written communication.

Beyond the specifics of the spell-check, broader concerns about the Solicitors Qualifying Examination have been voiced. Solicitor Noella Gooden, for instance, has cautioned that the current examination structure risks weakening the already fragile pipeline into legal aid work. This concern is particularly salient given a reported decline from 53% in January, though the specific context for this percentage was not detailed. Such observations point to ongoing discussions within the legal community about the wider impact of the SQE on access to justice and the diversity of the profession.

Lawyers involved in legal education, recruitment, or mentoring aspiring solicitors should note the SRA's continued emphasis on clear, precise, and concise language in SQE2 written assessments, despite the provision of a basic spell-check tool. This reinforces the high standards expected of future legal professionals in written communication.

Source: Original reporting via Legal Cheek.