BSB will introduce aptitude test by Autumn 2012

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) is set to introduce an aptitude test which wannabe barristers must pass to gain admission to the BPTC. As reported in Legal Futures, a pilot study conducted on the 2010-11 intake of BPTC students found that the test results were the best indicator of whether a student would pass the course, which has encouraged the BSB to fully implement the test by Autumn 2012, in time for September 2013's BPTC starters.

There was a significant correlation between the exam results and final pass marks for the BPTC. 44% of students who failed the BPTC course got bottom-fifth scores on the aptitude test, while the 54% who finished the course on an 'outstanding' grade came in the top fifth of test scores.

The cut-off point for a pass was closely examined for its potential impact on diversity, but a report to the BSB claimed the pass allocation had little bearing on "gender, primary language, age, disability or whether the first degree was from a Russell Group institution". There was some impact on the number of passes among ethnic groups, but these were found to be "within the generally accepted range for a cut score".

Dr Valerie Shrimplin, the BSB's head of education standards, said: "Our aim has always been to ensure a fair and equitable system for those applying for the bar professional training course, a system that will recruit on merit, regardless of the background of the candidate. We look forward to providing detailed information in December and consulting on our proposals in early 2012."

The success of the pilot test has led the Law Society to consider the suitability of a similar exam for LPC students, with the results of the investigation set to be fed into the legal education and training review, which is due to report on the state of UK legal education in late 2012.