SRA: SQE2 Pass Rate April 2026 Hits 83%, QWE Impact Noted

• The overall SQE2 pass rate for the April 2026 sitting reached 83%, continuing an upward trend from previous assessments.
• First-time candidates performed even better, with 85% successfully passing the examination.
• Candidates without qualifying work experience (QWE) achieved a 90% pass rate, significantly outperforming those with QWE who passed at 73%.
• Ethnic disparities persisted, with White and Mixed/Multiple ethnic groups achieving an 88% pass rate, compared to 82% for Asian and 67% for Black candidates.
• Academic achievement correlated strongly with success, as first-class degree holders passed at 92%, 2:1 holders at 83%, and 2:2 holders at 40%.

Among candidates attempting the SQE2 for the first time, those who had not yet undertaken any QWE achieved a significantly higher pass rate of 90%.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has released its latest statistical report detailing the performance of candidates in the Solicitors Qualifying Examination 2 (SQE2) during the April 2026 sitting. This recent assessment, conducted between April 28 and May 15, saw an overall pass rate of 83%, marking a continued upward trend. This figure represents an increase from the 80% recorded in the January sitting and the 78% achieved in the October/November rounds preceding it.

A total of 2,966 candidates were graded in the April 2026 SQE2 examination. Notably, first-time candidates demonstrated even stronger performance, with 85% of the 2,763 individuals sitting the SQE2 for the first time successfully passing. These Solicitors Qualifying Examination 2 results provide a crucial benchmark for aspiring legal professionals seeking the England and Wales solicitor qualification.

One of the most striking revelations from the SRA's latest SQE2 statistics concerns the role of qualifying work experience (QWE). Among candidates attempting the SQE2 for the first time, those who had not yet undertaken any QWE achieved a significantly higher pass rate of 90%. This contrasts sharply with the 73% pass rate observed among candidates who had completed QWE prior to their first attempt.

This counter-intuitive finding regarding the SQE qualifying work experience pass rate suggests that the timing or nature of QWE might not always align with immediate SQE2 success. For African lawyers and compliance officers considering qualification in England and Wales via the SQE, this data may influence strategic decisions regarding the necessity and timing of QWE, prompting a re-evaluation of traditional career pathways.

Despite the overall improvements in the SQE2 pass rate April 2026, the SRA's data continues to highlight persistent disparities across different ethnic groups. White candidates and those identifying with mixed or multiple ethnic backgrounds both achieved an 88% pass rate. However, this figure dropped to 82% for Asian or Asian British candidates and significantly further to 67% for Black or Black British candidates, underscoring ongoing challenges reflected in the SQE ethnic disparity results.

Academic background also showed a clear correlation with performance. Candidates holding a first-class degree recorded an impressive 92% pass rate. This figure decreased to 83% for those with a 2:1 degree and fell substantially to 40% for candidates who had achieved a 2:2 degree. These statistics provide valuable insights into the factors influencing success in the Solicitors Qualifying Examination 2 results, emphasizing the need for targeted support and resources for diverse candidate groups.

African lawyers and compliance officers considering qualification in England and Wales via the SQE should note the SRA's latest statistics, particularly the counter-intuitive finding that candidates without qualifying work experience (QWE) achieved a significantly higher pass rate in SQE2. This data may influence strategic decisions regarding the timing and necessity of QWE for aspiring solicitors, and highlights persistent ethnic disparities in pass rates.

Source: Original reporting via Legal Cheek