Applications open for Bridging the Bar 2025/26 Academy

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Applications for the Bridging the Bar (BTB) 2025/26 Academy are now open, with the programme designed to help 100 candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to enhance their chances of securing pupillage through internships, mini-pupillages, mentoring, advocacy training and more.

BTB is a non-profit charity committed to increasing diversity and making the Bar accessible to everyone. The programme, designed specifically for non-traditional applicants, has a two-part application process with a written and video application. Applications for the Academy will close on 11 April 2025 at 5:00pm. 

The programme is said to equip candidates with the skills, experience and mindset necessary to secure pupillage and succeed at the Bar. Through interview advocacy training, candidates will receive tailored tips from chambers in their intended practice area, honing their advocacy in preparation for pupillage interviews. In addition, each candidate will be placed with a practising barrister in their area of interest for one-on-one mentoring to gain guidance, feedback and support over the course of the Academy year.

To be eligible to participate in the programme, candidates must:

• be studying the Bar course for the 2025/26 academic year (either part time or full time) or have already completed the Bar course;
• be planning to apply for pupillage in 2026;
• have been state-school educated;
• have not attended Oxbridge at the undergraduate level;
• have funded undergraduate education through student loans or own employment; and
• be present in the UK and available to attend all Academy events listed in the programme from September 2025 to June 2026.

The selection of candidates for the programme will be based on assessment criteria, including candidates’ commitment to academic excellence, understanding of a career at the Bar, awareness of challenges faced by candidates and barristers from underrepresented backgrounds, and more.

Learn more about the assessment criteria and application process, read tips for a strong application and see model answers via the BTB website.

Speaking on the programme, vice chairperson of BTB, Aaron Mayers, said: "From day one, the Bridging the Bar team has asked itself: what is the best way to increase the chances of our candidates securing pupillage, whilst also preparing them for professional life at the Bar? The BTB Academy is the answer."