BSB releases standards reports on BPTC providers

With the deadline for first round BPTC (Bar Professional Training Course) applications looming on Thursday 12 January, the BSB (Bar Standards Board) has published its annual standards-monitoring reports on every UK institution providing the course. Freely available to view online, the reports assess the academic and administrative standards at each institution, as well as the numbers of graduates who successfully go on to attain pupillages - allowing students to make a more informed decision regarding their choice of BPTC provider.

The reports analyse consistency in teaching and coursework, as well as how well each institution is suited to Bar training - some findings reveal a predilection toward solicitors' training that aspiring barristers would do well to be aware of. Other factors, which should be crucial to all students with a serious desire to gain a pupillage, are also examined, such as the number of teaching staff to student ratios, as well as how in touch staff remain with the profession. Also assessed was the quality of links between each institution as a whole with local chambers, and whether each course provider affords good opportunities for students to undertake mini-pupillages and other essential CV-boosting exercises, such as working with pro bono organisations.

The monitoring visits were comprehensive, and also examined the quality of the administrative support at each course provider. The reports assessed the quality of resources available and the standards of the buildings in which teaching and independent study take place. Policies to cope with teacher absences were also assessed - which will be of interest to any student who has missed valuable contact hours through teacher illness and the subsequent poor reorganisation of classes.

We here at LC.N would encourage serious future barristers to read the reports on their prospective institutions in full before applying, but with the deadline imminent, we will also point you to where the reports best indicate the current course quality at each institution. The 'distinguishing features' section of each report summarises the key strengths of each course provider, while the subsequent 'recommendations' section highlights each area in which the report feels the institution is lacking. To read the reports for yourself, go to this page of the BSB's website.